[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #40427

Hi Ladies. We are having a quiet day here today. Neal called a little earlier, and to be honest, I was sort of hoping he was calling to invite “the old folks at home” over to their apartment for a cookout; but alas; he was calling to check on how to do the crock pot cocktail wieners and sauce that Sarah is taking to a party at the hospital tonight that the nurses are pot lucking during their shift. I invited him over for some hotdogs and baked beans that Jerry and I are having. He said he already had an invite to some friends but thanks; so me and the Mr. will be quietly munching away by ourselves today. I have to admit to you ladies that I feel a little lonely and wish the boys would think about inviting us over; but I know that their lives are so busy that it is not fresh on their minds. They are really good boys, and I know their hearts are in the right place. Are your husbands too proud to ask for help with projects? Mine surely is; but he says he “can do it himself” even when I know that it hurts him. I really believe with all my heart that since the boys do not see how if affects their Dad to do some things, that they are just not aware of how badly it hurts him, and to listen to him, he is “just fine, don’t make such a big deal out of nothing” I just think that women are able to somehow admit and adapt to their limitations, but it is harder for a man too. What do you all think?
Sue, you know I can’t think straight when I called you Debra when I was talking about your vertigo. Hopefully, she is not having the same dizzy problems as you have been having. Is it any better? Does it seem to happen more when you are lying down or just come on you at any time? Take care. That is one problem that we have to get attended to right away; it is such a terrible feeling when all is spinning around you and yet you know that it is not really.
All of you who have been on a cruise; would you tell me about it? Jerry is SO afraid of being out on the water like that; and since I’ve never been on one myself, I can only tell him so much that I have read about them. This is his main concern; sea sickness and what happens when it comes a storm? Do you have to leave the ship each time it comes to a new port? Thanks in advance for any info.
Adele, I just put on some cinnamon rolls, and my gosh, my mouth is watering. Just the smell of them is so good. Poor little Joey is going through some rough waters. He is separated from Lisa (for about 3 weeks now) and living with a sheriff friend of his since childhood. Lisa is still living out in Paw Paws house. Talk about a strange situation for us; but we are doing the best we can. We are still good to her, and when she hurt her arm that day before we went to the hospital, I sat down with her for a few minutes and hugged her and told her that I know it would be her natural inclination to think that since Joey is our son that he has shared with us what is going on between them, but that what he told us was that he was going on vacation, would be gone several days but did not say where, that he and Lisa were separating and he would be moving into his own place when he returned from his trip. I told her that Jerry and I would help her any way we could; but Joey is our son, and we must stand by his decisions. So now we are in a sort of limbo here with her still living out back. I took her some packages today that had been delivered to our house from Amazon, and she was walking around the pond, and just thanked me for bringing them to her. But Joey does call us and let us know that he is doing okay, and he said that he will help her if she asks him too to find her a decent place to live and help her to move. He said he told her that he will always love her in a special way for all the time they have spent together, but that both of them know they do not love each other in the way a man and woman should love one another to be together forever. He said he wished her nothing but happiness for the rest of her life, and for any time he may have hurt her in the past or now, that he is sorry, and he knows in his heart that she is sorry for the hurt she has caused him. It is so, so very sad, but it is time for this to end. Joey told us that they are only hurting one another by staying together. So please remember them in your prayers. I would so appreciate that. So the cinnamon rolls are part of a “care package” for Joey along with toiletries and such that I know he needs, but his money is really on a budget. I am so glad that he did get away for a few days to help to clear his head a little, and just to let him experience some peace among the turmoil. Oh, the heartache when one of our children is hurting.
Thanks for listening. Sorry for all of that but needed to talk to someone.
Am I the only one who missed seeing any Black Hills Gold shows today on the Q? Hasn’t that been a Memorial Day tradition for years and years? I bought one ring years ago of the grape leaves in tricolor gold that looks as pretty today as it did then. In fact; I wear it as my wedding band (you know how Jerry loves his trees) But even though that is the only piece I had I really enjoyed watching the show. Adele, there was a butterfly shirt that was patriotic. I just knew Gail would get that one. I got the patriotic anchor one in yellow with the solid blue sparkle one. Neal and Sarah’s theme at their wedding was “love anchors our lives to each other” so their was lots of anchors all over the decorations at the beach. I have another quacker shirt in black that has a beautiful anchor on the front of it that is much larger. I save it for really special times. I am wearing it to the baby shower. I got the baby a little one piece outfit that has anchors all over it, and also a white one that looks like someone has just kissed it all over, and it says “MiMi has been here”. It is so cute.
Well, girls, guess I better close for now. You all are such good friends. Isn’t is amazing how we can really feel the joy and the pain of each other, and it has all come about through this venue. It is so very true, God works in mysterious ways. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #40373

First of all, let me say how very grateful we are for all the service people who serve and how heavy our heart is for those who have lost a lost one. Our son has made us very proud and he has lost many friends, really you would call them brothers and sisters in arms, over these many years he has been in the service. So if any of you all have family members past or present who have been in the military; we are thankful for their service; their sacrifices.
We have been pretty busy these last few days. Jerry and I went out to dinner Friday night with our neighbors down the road from us, and it was supposed to be just the four of us; but about 10 others that they knew came too. Just one of those domino effect things where one person invites themselves too (which was fine) and then he tells someone, and they want to come too; so we ended up meeting a lot of new people, and had a really good time. Jerry does not do well with a crowd of people he doesn’t know; but one of the younger ones is a truck driver, and I kind of think all truck drivers; past and present; are good talkers; so they got along great. They had plenty of stories. I was sort of stuck at the end of the long table with several people I just met for the first time; but I really enjoyed meeting them and we all seemed to just get along well. So, all in all, it was a really good night. Jerry wanted to stop and get an ice cream sundae on the way home; so we did. I was so full that I didn’t have room for one. So you know I ate a big dinner LOL
By the way; Happy Late Birthday, Mr. Rocky! He is such a sweet boy, and I know you gave him a special day, Gail. Did he get some extra treats? Tell him for me that he is a youngster compared to Ozs’ age. Love our senior citizen puppies and kitties. Speaking of kitties; Auto Kitty had a tummy ache. I honestly think he ate too much that day. He has decided to be Jerrys Kitty in the evening now; while Jerry is checking things on his computer. Auto sits on the arm of his chair and stays there with Jerry until he comes to bed. This is new for him. But he is always in the same room with the both of us if we are in the room together. I hope Gregs back and Garys back are both doing better. How is Garys brother doing Adele? I know this is so hard on the family. So I’m sending good thoughts and prayers to all my friends going through difficult times. Hope your dizziness is better, Debra. That is such a hard thing to be experiencing. You know I noticed one day when there was a show on the Q and it showed all those steps. I just can’t do steps anymore, and I am even afraid of escalators. My balance just won’t ever be the same again; I believe. I really try, but things have just changed; but I am so grateful for what is back; that I have NO complaints.
No cookouts for us this day. We have no one coming over; and our children are either working or at someone’s party. I agree with Colleen; little Piper is going to be on stage. Wouldn’t it be cute to have a mini DWTS show with little children dancing all around? It just comes so naturally to them; and is so sweet and pure.
Jerry and I have started a new book. I am really enjoying our “story time” I think it is good for both of us. We both got to reminiscing the other night; and we BOTH got kind of tearful; and then Jerry just looked at me and said, “enough of this its time for me and you to make some new memories; lets check in to taking a trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina” Sounds like a good plan to me. Guess we could load up Mom Smith and off the three of us go.
Take care everyone. Hope you all have had a wonderful weekend with friends and family doing whatever makes you happy. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #40036

Hi everyone. Adele, if Tom had seen you first he would have asked you for a date instead of me. You are beautiful; like all my Quacker ladies are. I have changed so much over the years. I weighed the whole amount of 118 when I was in my teens; and I thought I was big then. LOL Now my weight far exceeds that; and it is just a number to me. I call myself 120 pounds of woman inside lots of fluff. ha ha Don’t think too much of my “date” since my Dad was there to see EVERYTHING that went on. I did have pictures, but my Mom kept them and my oldest brother just threw them away one day when he was cleaning out the attic. Now for your swoon; he was so very handsome; and a perfect gentleman. I had already been dating Jerry, and he was very upset that I went but I was so in love with Jerry that he really didn’t have anything to worry about; as if he would have anyway. ha ha. To tell the truth; I think my Dad secretly admired him so much that HE was hoping I would fall for him and leave poor Jerry in the dust. But it was a very exciting time; even if brief. And just for the record; I still think he is so very handsome.
I wish I knew how to download photos onto this thing too; but I just don’t. I have to buy a new camera before the baby gets here; and I want to put some pictures for you all. Anyone know of a point and shoot camera that is under 500 that makes good pictures and is Easy TO USE? I only have a couple of weeks until the first shower. Sarah finally put in at Babys R Us; so now I know what they registered for. That will help me. She came by to visit today. She is really sticking out there now, and I think that looks so cute. She said that Neal loves to feel the baby move. The first time he felt him she said that Neal jumped like he had been hit. LOL
Gail, did you find out what that Howdy means at the top of this page? I can’t seem to see anything different if I click on it. Oh, by the way, I love my Quacker bicycle shirt with the short sleeves. There was a beautiful one with butterflies all down the side of it that I wanted so badly, but didn’t have it in my size. Do you know what a lady at the store had the nerve to say to me the other day? She said I just love your shirt (red Quacker with a sparkly ice cream cone in the middle of it) then she said, do you have to go to the big women sized store for that or could someone small like me get one? I said, actually Dear, I have this especially made at Memphis Tent and Awning Store where my husband works and they just use the awning machine to cut one big enough to fit someone my size, so I’m sorry, you can’t have one. Then I smiled (Adele) and sparkled away. Hurt my feelings, but I thought you just can’t help those who have no decency to know right from wrong.
Hope all is well for you all. Stormy here tonight. Said the possibility of golf sized hail. Hope not. Take care everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #39937

Thank you for the anniversary good wishes. We had a really nice day going for a peaceful long ride and then to dinner at a small restaurant that we hadn’t been to before, but turned out very good. We had checked on Jerry’s Mom before we left; and made sure she was all prepared for dinner (she eats really early), and then off we went; two young at heart folks who have traveled many roads together. It was 45 years for us; so you have us beat; Colleen. It was fun reflecting on times past and hopefully time to come for us. We have truly been blessed in our lives.
Adele, (my personal bra special lady) guess what? This is going to be a big one for you; so you might want to sit down. Guess who had a date with ”””””” wait for it————none other than Tom Selleck. I was very young and he came into town for some kind of show and we met. My Dad was working security at his show (Dad was a Detective and back then they could “moonlight” doing security for famous people; and he asked for my name and if he could call me. It was very innocent; since I was so young; 17; and the only reason Dad agreed was because it was at a very public setting where he was giving a talk of some kind, and Dad was there too. But now that I think of all the things about it; it really wasn’t a “date” only got to hold his hand when he offered it to me as I walked up steps, held the door for me and such. But I have his photo; signed “with love Tom” Just think, Adele, you could be speaking to Ms. Selleck; instead of Ms. Smith LOL I still think he is extremely handsome. Speaking of Mr. Smith; we were seeing each other at the time; holding hands at church during prayer and stealing quick kisses during time between Sunday School and church. He was VERY mad at my little “trist” with my famous fellow. I think that is why I have to watch the show “alone” but he has finally given into “Quigley Down Under” LOL So what do you think of that?
Dianne, I love your art work. Pictures of the sea are so calming to me; as well as the many cottages and garden scenes of Thomas Kincaid. You are a very talented decorator I bet. I don’t have a decorating bone in my body. Mabey that means I am “excinctric” decorator. ha ha
Baby, baby, baby; I am up to my nose in baby. Please keep your suggestions coming. I ordered one of those Lug things today in blue camo for Neal for his diaper bag. I think he will need one for his things for baby. I really think he will like it better than a girly one, but there again, I am just guessing. What do you all think?
Got to go for now. I have turned into the lazy housewife, cook today. We are just raiding the refrigerator, and so far; I have come up with some eggs I boiled for deviled eggs, and now I am mixing them up to make some egg salad sandwiches for us. We are also having fresh broccoli and dip on the side. How is that for a meal? Take care, ladies. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #39831

Hello Ladies! Cloudy day here today, but about 65 degrees and a little breezy. All the puppy dogs are just sleeping away on the thick grass enjoying the nice weather. I am thinking of joining them lol I remember years ago when I was very sick, I asked Jerry to help me throw down a quilt on the grass and just to let me lay down out there and let the fresh air and sun shine on me. He did, and I lay there with him for about two hours, and it just felt so heavenly. I bet our neighbors thought we were nuts, but I didn’t care. Something just said to me “go outside and be in the fresh air, you will feel so much better if you do” and I really did. I was in the midst of heavy chemo treatments at the time. So later on, when one of my patients would tell me that they would give “anything” to just be able to go outside for a little while, I would do everything possible to get permission from the docs, the family, the administrators, you name it, and take them on to the atrium, ventilator, IV’s, monitors, and all ha ha. I even got an okay to allow a man’s little doggie to visit him on the atrium one day. He had been our patient for months, and he never was able to get out of the hospital. I will always remember the look on his face when they brought in his little doggie. It was a very special moment for us all.
Neal, Sarah, and itty bitty made it home today. They had a wonderful babycation. Neal called me last night and said “MaMa, I am standing here on the beach breathing in a deep breath of salt air just for you right now” and I could hear him breathing deeply. Made me cry. Course, everything seems to make me cry nowadays. I am SO sentimental. Just so grateful for all the little things in life that are really the big things. And I sure do count you all as a blessing for me. Thank you all for being such good ladies.
Adele, here is an embarrassing, probably goofy question. First of all, I didn’t even know that bras came in anything but sizes A,B,C,D; so now that you have taught me differently, where do I look? And here is another question, this one I know will show you why my boobies are around my spare tire middle – when I measure for my size, do I put the tape measure right up under my breasts for the band size, and then with my old bra on, do I measure around where the biggest part of my breast stick out? Because, they are hanging down, even with my bra on. Okay, I can hear the laughter from here, but I feel that I can look so much better if I can just get the “girls” to not hang down droopy, but not be like two triangles sticking straight out either. Now, aren’t you all glad you have me to ask such inspiring questions? Thank you in advance for helping me.
Gail, I am on a roll now with baby things. Can’t remember what half of this stuff is called, but it has slowed down my Q shopping for the time being. Heaven help us at Christmas time. I am so anxious to meet him. We have a baby shower the a few weeks at Neals job, that they have invited us to. Neal doesn’t know about it, they wanted it to be a surprise for him, but Sarah knows. She said she is having such a hard time keeping it a secret from him. Sarah’s Mom has strept throat right now; so she has got to stay away from her. Her mother is a school crossing guard and her Dad was a deputy sheriff. I am really glad that Sarah was away this week while her Mom was getting sick. I don’t mean that in a bad way, just glad she was away from all the germs.
Sue, congratulations on your retirement. It is really a new and exciting phase of life. It took me a while to adjust but like everyone here says, “don’t schedule me for anything before noon” because I really enjoy not having to be up and going early in the day. My biological clock was set for 5 am for years; and I never even had to set a clock, but now if I am up at 5 it is because I can’t sleep and Auto Kitty and I am just up and roaming around the house. I love the quiet time, and it we are up at sunrise, I love to watch the sun come up and know that I can just waltz right back in that bedroom and snuggle under again, or play on the computer. I didn’t ever take naps either, but Colleen and I have mastered the fine art of a “quickie” in the afternoon snooze department. Gosh, I just enjoy the freedom retirement gives. Yes, we don’t have quite the nice financial times we did at one time, but what we do have now is “our time” to spend doing as much or nothing at all if that’s what WE want. So very happy for you. I know you will be missed.
You have a very pretty kitty, Dianne. They do tend to let you know if you haven’t gotten their permission to do whatever. I brushed Auto Kitty this morning, and even though he purred and purred, he was giving me the evil eye. LOL He knows when I pick up the brush I am going to brush him, and sometimes he runs under the bed and won’t come out even for his kitty treats. But this morning, I had him right on the right spot on his kitty stand, and he tolerated it, but was pouty for a while afterwards. Our puppies try so hard to do anything that pleases you, but our kitty gives us permission to live here with him. But we really love him and he knows it.
Adele, I bet you have done some “make up” baking for Aizen. I remember baking a chocolate cake once when my SIL and her two children were here, and when it was done (the little ones had helped me with the whole process) and I was about to cut them a slice, their Mom said she would do it; it would give them too much sugar; so she gave them each a sliver. That little fellow said “this is a REALLY small piece” just broke my heart; so I packed him up some and sent it home with them. I told Jerry that I wish I had known about the sugar rule, and should have had sense enough to ask first. I guess because our boys always ate vegetables and meat so well that I didn’t think about ruining their appetite or sugar overload, but their Mom was a tiny little thing, and she felt it was not good for them, and she was probably right. But looks like you could make a little exception if someone had baked a cake for everyone to enjoy. I love how your family always gathers in the kitchen. I associate many good memories around the aroma on food, and good times had in the kitchen with friends and family. Guess we all just have to do and enjoy things in moderation to be healthy.
My Quacker bicycle tee came, and it is so cute. I love it. I was so tempted with the two piece sets too. I did order one for Jerry’s Mom. I am turning her into Denim and CO. and Quacker too. She just loves the comfort of both. And the sparkle. I join all of you in being a Lock and Lock person too. I love the ones that have handles on the lids. It is just so convenient for potato salad and such. I have the pitchers already. Love them. I keep rice, cereal, sugar, flour, you name it in those. And they are so nice for our iced tea and lemonade and juices. I also have a 9×13 Temptations sheet pan for my cakes. I also use it for casseroles and ham and such. Now I am making myself hungry.
Do you all have any special plans for Memorial Day? A lot will depend on everyone’s work schedule around here. I just don’t like to do a cook out unless everyone can be here. So will have to check with all about their schedules.
Guess I better go for now. Yesterday was Neals 33rd birthday. We are getting together this Wednesday to celebrate. Today is our anniversary. Jerry is at his Mom’s right now; but we are planning on going out to dinner a little later on today. I am looking forward to some time together just to sit in a restaurant and relax and have a nice meal together. I have rested up all day today; just in case he wants to chase me around tonight. ha ha Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #39653

Hello fellow Quacks! We are “kinda” tired here today. This has been a very busy week so far; and Jerry has really been having a lot of pain with his back. It is just so hard for me to imagine that he goes through pain all the time, but I know he does, and some days it is just worse than others. I feel so badly for him. It’s like the doctors have just said “oh, well, can’t do anything else so you just have to live like this for the rest of your life”. His brother (the one who tried to take all their Mom’s money and didn’t pay her bills) actually reported us to the agency who makes sure an elderly person is being cared for; and said that Jerry was not taking care of their Mom. It was such a mess; but of course, his Mom told them that Jerry was so good to her and if it hadn’t been for him that she would not be alive. I felt so sorry for Jerry for him to have to go through that. They were only doing their job; and I know they have to be sure, but it is just one more way of knowing how low his brother will sink to try to get control over her finances and her life again. She is absolutely thriving now with all the time she and Jerry are together. They went all through her home, and saw how neat and clean it is, and his Mom explained what all had happened, and how she wants to stay where she is for as long as she possibly can. Jerry had all her doctors office visits listed, and how he and his Mom have worked together to keep someone from breaking in on her again. The lady said that the brother had said his Mother was “crazy” and not able to make any decisions on her own, and she said she could see what was trying to be done by the brother, and she was closing the “investigation”. She hugged Jerrys Mom, and thanked Jerry for making sure his Mom was taken care of. Can you imagine that money can drive someone to do these things to their Mother and brother? He was so exhausted after the two days of questioning and looking that I was afraid for his health. A person can just take so much.
On a much lighter note; we heard from the vacationers last night. They are having a great time. They had professional photos made yesterday on the same spot on the beach where they were married, of baby on the way photos. I am not really sure what they will look like, but knowing Sarah; they will be spectacular. I know this is a young person thing, where it shows the mama and daddy and mabey the daddy kissing the mama’s tummy. I know we never had that when ours were on the way. We kept the tummy under the big maternity tops and nowadays; the young ladies show their tummy under tight tops or wear bikini’s LOL Neal said the bed is very hard; and he is really disappointed in that. He said it hurts Sarah’s back too. But he said the view is absolutely beautiful. They rented a condo on the beach in Destin. He said he was going to speak to the owner about how hard the bed is. You do really want to sink into something soft after a busy vacation day. They are having dinner at a beautiful restaurant (seafood) right on the beach tonight with another young couple they know that lives in the area. So I know they are having fun today. I asked Neal if itty bitty was smiling for his photos or did he sleep through it? He laughed and said he was awake because he kept kicking.
Adele, I am absolutely THRILLED to know that you can help me with something I have struggled with ever since my first bra buying day _ how to know what to buy and how to know what size to purchase. How could I have guessed that a world of info was right in front of me? Can you please help me? I took out a tape measure this morning so I could tell you what it said, so here goes. I measured around my body right where my bra band is and it is 40 inches and then around where my breasts stick out the most with my current bra on and it measured 47 inches. The days are long gone when my breasts stood up there; now they just hang south and I very much need a bra that will lift up what is left of them. I have never been able to tolerate a bra with wires, it has always just dug into me. I did have a bra fitting one day; years ago; got talked into buying what the lady said would be perferct, and it hurt me (wire kind) and dug into my sides; so spent like 60 for a bra that didn’t get worn. I would be happy to pay for a good bra if it would just help me not look like an old lady and gave me some boob back where it used to be. Now isn’t this just a grand mental picture for you about now? Just think, Gail and Colleen, If Adele could help me with my “boobie” problems; I might not need a tub with claw feet. LOL Course even if we had a tub with claw feet, neither Jerry or I would be able to get ourselves out of it without someone to help lift us up and out. Everytime I see that beautiful girl just lounging on that bed advertising for Viagra to men; I can’t help but think, there some man goes, thinking if he just pops a pill he will get a woman half his age, and guess what? unless she thinks he has money saved up; she won’t care how many blue pills he takes, she will be off to find the rich man who needs to take a pill. ha ha Life can surely be funny too. We used to keep our personal things so personal, and now; it seems everything is just out there and common knowledge for everyone. Not sure I feel that is the right way for things to be; but no one asked me what I thought ha ha’
Sue, how is your puppy dog? Been a while since you talked about him. Hope all is well. We love them so much too. Are they still keeping you really busy on your job? I know they really depend on you.
Dianne, thanks for the heads up on the Quacker show time. I would think you get the TSV earlier than we do due to time zone differences. Do you know what the Quacker TSV will be? I ordered the Americana bicycle shirt in grey with the bicycles and fireworks in red, white, and blue. Did you get anything? I plan to wear mine especially on Memorial Day. I ordered the smashburgers too. Hope they are good. Just wanted to take out two at a time for me and Jerry. I LOVE a good hamburger. Hope these are good. They surely looked good. I always order the Germack (spelling) for Jerry. He loves it. He likes the cranberry and all kinds of nuts. I have to watch him; he will eat too much at one time ha ha. He also like the Kind bars; but they are just too expensive. I get them in single bars for him at the grocery store. That’s all the food I have tried from the Q. Please let me know how you like yours.
Will close for now. Love your all’s stories of your children and the grands. Miss Piper is our own DWTS grand, and Aizen will be our next horticulturist/food critic, Miss Eliza has mastered the art of melting hearts, Mr. Lachlan is going to be our ladies “heartbreaker” with all his experience with girls, and our artistic Miss Lachlan knew calling a deer a bunny does not make a deer a bunny. I could go on and on. We all have such great families, and are so blessed with our husbands, children, grands, and fur babies. So now if Ms. Adele can just help me “rise” to the occasion with my boobs; mabey it will take some of the attention off of my tire that I seem to have picked up at the Walmart automotive department that has managed to find its way around my middle. LOL Hugs to all and have a wonderful evening. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #39414

Gail, thank you so much for the baby gift idea. Now I am looking on Amazon for one. I can just imagine how our Itty Bitty is going to love it. I have already bought this sweet little “country boy” outfit of little bib overalls and a plaid shirt with some little silt sock like things that look like boots. We used to dress all of the boys like that as they were growing up since they wanted to look like their “farmer” daddy. I have a little one piece sailor suit that all three boys had their pictures taken wearing it on each one’s first birthday. I have saved it all these years wrapped in tissue paper, and hope Neal and Sarah will let me make the baby’s first birthday picture in it, too. That would surely make me happy.
I a so proud of you, Adele, for hopping right on that cart and quacking and smiling and ready for anyone to have the nerve to give you one of those smirky looks. Poor Jerry needs to ride a cart so badly, and I have made up my mind that I will ride one at a park I have talked him into going with me, and have him ride it when no one can see him so his back can rest. My poor ego has “left the building” as they used to say when Elvis Presley left his concerts. LOL
Better go for tonight. Jerry just brought me a tray with crackers, cheese, cold cuts and other goodies. (Kerry’s version of a home cooked meal) Looks yummy! Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #39340

Hello everyone. Gosh, this is so much better for me to be able to see what I am typing to you all. My poor eyesight needs a check up; and I need to set up an appointment soon. There has just been so much going on that I keep forgetting to do that. You know; I have to make a list of my “to do” things or I will definitely forget things. I keep a pad on the refrigerator door to write things down for groceries; but I also have to just write down “everyday” things as well. Instead of just saying I am forgetful; I just call it being in sensory overload LOL It has been really stormy here almost every day. Neal and Sarah are to leave for Florida this weekend, and both of them have been sick with a sinus infection. Neal broke down and saw a doctor this morning, and he gave him a big shot of antibiotic and other meds that should make him feel much better. I worry about all “3” of them; but know that they are smart and ultimately will do their own thing. I asked him to please go ahead and go to the doctor early this week; since Sarah had already been sick and gotten treated, but he put it off and it just got worse and worse. I so hope they have a wonderful time on their trip. I told Neal today that this is itty bitty’s first vacation. ha ha Neal just laughed. Guess they never get too old for us not to worry, do they?
It looks like you all had wonderful birthday and Mothers Day celebrations. Tillie looks so pretty; just as I imagined. And let’s all just go ahead and admit we could fall face first into that strawberry cake! I love reading your stories. Dianne, your photos are BEAUTIFUL. You live in such a pretty area of the country. You are so right about rather face a hurricane than a tornado. Both Colleen and I know that it is really scary during the day, but even more so at night when you can’t see where it is coming from. Colleen, would you believe that Jerry actually told me one day that we could dig this huge hole in the ground and bury that boxcar and make a storm shelter out of it? He and Ron are masters of thinking of things to do with their valuable junk ha ha
Christine, I am so sorry that you are having so much problems with your health. I hope and pray that you will be doing better soon. I will always remember the sweet note you wrote to me right after I had my stroke, and how that touched me that someone so far away could be praying for my recovery and sending good thoughts my way. We on this website really do pull one another up as best we can when someone is down. Gail, do you know what ever happened to the lady from Nevada that used to come on here and had such a beautiful home that she would send us pictures of especially during the holidays? Since I have been on this site, quite a few people have come and gone; but it has always been a highlight of my day to just sit and visit over the miles with you all.
You all know that I just couldn’t pass up those seersucker Quacker capri’s. They are so comfy and cool for this area. I got them in a yellow seersucker. Debbie used to laugh everytime Quacker would offer something in that fabric; because she knew I would be all over it. ha ha. By the way Gail, how is Brent doing now? Is he going to come home soon or will it be a while?
How is Aizen’s tree doing? Jerry is so proud of him for planting a tree. Jerry is such a tree fanatic and just thinks anyone who plants a tree is just great. He loves to walk all over out here and talk about all the trees he and the boys have planted. He has quite a few that he and the boys actually dug up from other places and transplanted here. So there are lots of memories attached to most of his trees.
Well, it is pizza night here. I just simply don’t feel like cooking anything. I made a big pot of homemade soup the other day, and Jerry and me and Joey and Lisa ate so much. It just hit the spot; with all the rainy weather. So tonight, I am slacking ha ha
Dianne, I ordered the hamburgers too. I thought that it would be good to have one at a time and be able to keep them in the freezer until we need them. I agree with you, everything looks so good on the TV. But we will see how these taste.
Bye for now, everyone. Hope you all have a good evening. Pet all your 4 legged babies, and hug all your two legged ones for me. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Merry Month of May is Here! Let's All Give a Great Big Cheer! #38955

Hello to All. It is just an absolutely gorgeous day here today. It is about 70 degrees with a nice breeze blowing. The birds are chirping and the squirrels are just chomping away on the hickory nuts. The dogs are laying out in the grass sleeping like babies; so the squirrels are surely taking advantage of it ha ha. Jerry has spent the day with his Mom. She is having such a great time with him. They went to Walgreen drug store, and had this big discussion on what shampoo would make her hair the softest (and not be wasting money of course). It was so funny to hear. You would think that Jerry had become NIck Chavez and has opened a salon in Beverly Hills! I had to just walk away when they both called the saleslady over for her opinion. She wanted to sit out by the pond today; so we took some lawn chairs out there and I was constantly looking on the ground for any creepy crawleys, and she was telling me stories of how when she was a little girl, that she was responsible for going out to the spring to get the milk they had stored in the cold water. She has told me the story before, but I just love to hear of the “old days” and how they did things. The people back then used just whatever was available, and when it got dark, they would light a coal oil lantern and read or play checkers. And they would be so tired that bedtime was really early and she said they had no trouble falling asleep since they had to get back up way before dawn to milk the cow, gather eggs, and cook breakfast way before daylight. She said her Mother made their lunches in tin buckets that they took to the field with them. What a hard life. But I think it certainly made her a strong woman. Speaking of women; I hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day. You all sound like such great mothers, and grandmothers, and puppy/kitty Mommies. You all have spread your love so far, and your love and kindnesses have spread far and wide. It is a real honor to know each of you; and I hope each of you have your own special day to enjoy
.
Neal called tonight and asked if he bought steaks; would his Dad mind grilling them for my day? I asked, but also had to add that poor Joey is working nights all weekend; so he would not be able to be here; so he asked me if I would mind if he went to a family style restaurant that we all really like and picked up some dinner plates to go and they come over and eat with us? That actually sounds fine to me; since Jerrys Mom will be here as well, and she will really enjoy seeing the kids ; plus he can pick up one for Joey and Lisa as well. I really enjoy us just being together; and I got the feeling (even though he didn’t say so) that he and Sarah will go to her Mom’s on Sunday. I went to Walmart today, and picked up more diapers for the baby. I know that is something they can certainly use. Gosh, there are so many cute things. I would really appreciate it if you all know of something that you have for a baby that has really been helpful to you all if you would let me know what it is. I am so new at all this baby things, that I have a lot of catching up to do, and had much rather buy them something that they can really use, than something that looks good, but really isn’t very helpful.

Jerry and I both had our doctors checkups this week. There is a lot of changes at his office. Many people have been let go. It is sad. I did get my B12 shot; and it does seem to make me feel better today. Sure hope I don’t have to end up getting it IV this time. Gonna think positive thoughts on this one. Poor Jerry has really been having a lot of trouble with his back. I feel so bad for him being in pain all the time. I think it is harder for a man to accept his limitations than for me too. I will push myself (too much some times) but I know that I am going to pay for it if I do; and I find that I am less and less opting to push myself when I know if I just stop for a while, and then start again, and I do okay. Some days are just better than others, and I know that it must be the same for you all too.

Adele, I know Tillie will really be happy for your cake. It just looks so delicious. Jerrys Mom is getting a chocolate cake from me. That is her absolute favorite. She isn’t big as a minute; but we actually have to watch her with a chocolate cake; she will eat so much of it that we are afraid she will make herself sick. And just good homemade buttery chocolate frosting is her favorite for the cake. She has a real sweet tooth. ha ha

I’m sitting here is my Quacker tee shirt. It’s a grey V-necked short sleeved one with sparkles up and down the V in the front. It is so comfy. I have another one just like it but in red. Don’t you all think the Quacker clothes are just so comfortable? Do you all ever wish they would have a model on the Q that is in the 1, 2, or 3X size? Sometimes they say the model is in a large, and honestly, not trying to be mean or anything, but they look bigger than a large to me. It’s almost like if you are bigger than that you don’t have someone in your size to show you how they look. I really do like to see how someone who is a larger size actually looks in the clothes; because everything will look good to me on a small person. And I REALLY don’t like to pay return charges. Don’t even get me started on that one.

Dianne,, do you live in a mountainous region or closer to the coast? It is so beautiful on your pictures. My husband was a truck driver, and he drove up I-5 (I think) and he was always telling me how beautiful it is in Oregon. He did say there were lots of big trees where he went too, and beautiful rivers.

Colleen, how old are babies when they begin to roll over on their own? I will need to know; since itty bitty could roll off of whatever he is laying on if I am not watching carefully. And when should we expect that first tooth? I know that is painful for it to break through. But I think it is so cute to see that one little tooth. Makes me laugh.

Better go for now, and see what we are going to do for dinner. I really think it will be soup and sandwich this evening. Then I make chocolate chip cookies for our “treat”. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Lots of garage and estate sales in this area. One of my neighbors called and asked if I would like to go with her for awhile tomorrow? So that sounds like fun, and the weather should be good. Adele, you must be just waterlogged by now. I am so sorry. Has to make your bones ache with all that rain. I know it does ours when it is rainy here. Take care everyone. Hugs, Barbara

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