[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! Let's Celebrate Spring in All It's Glory. #36787

Happy Sunday to All. It is so sunny here today, but the wind is blowing and the air is really cool. It was a beautiful day yesterday, and one of our dear neighbors that we have known for years called us and asked if they could bring their grandson over and fish in our pond out back? We of course said yes, so they and his Mom and Dad came and went fishing for a few hours. He is 3 and was such a good little boy. He wanted to show me and Jerry how he fished and the worms and crickets, and of course he was running all around with our dogs and they were having so much fun. He would take my hand and lead me over to some leaf or something he wanted to show me; and then before he left, he came over to me (I was sitting in a lawn chair by that time) and he hugged me and kissed me and told me that he had had the “funniest” day ever! I tell you, my heart just melted. I was a glob of mush, he was just so sweet and reminded me so much of when ours were little. Neal and Sarah will be having a little boy in August. Yes, seeing him on those ultrasound pictures was so cute. It really made it real to us, and in a way I think to Neal too. I guess you all can tell that I am more than just a little excited. I know in my heart that we may not get to see him as much at the beginning since she will be living so close to her Mom, and I know she will want her Mom to be the one to be there and help her, but I am willing to bide my time and wait our turn, because I know Colleen is right, that before much time passes they will want us to take him too. Sarah can’t be still. She likes to be on the move all the time, and I feel that having a little one will be a bigger adjustment for her than our homebody son, Neal. But we will see. I know it will be a very big change for them both. Sarah works at St. Jude Hospital now. You have probably heard of it; since it is known the world over. I know during Christmas that HSN does ornaments that all the proceeds go to the hospital. So she does have a lot of experience with children of all ages who are suffering with childhood cancers. It just breaks my heart, and I know it makes all of us thankful for good health of the ones we love.
I am on “mess hall duty” today, self inflicted. Since I know they are leaving soon, I up and volunteered to cook chicken and dumplings today. I have also done a cake. Haven’t frosted it yet. It is still waiting for you, Adele, to come whip up something yummy to go on it. I haven’t decided what flavor the frosting will be, but will probably go with my stand by chocolate. Everyone seems to like that. Joey and Lisa may not be able to stop by today. They already had a day trip planned somewhere, and that would be good for them. He was supposed to be off Friday night, but worked since they had someone who is sick, and that would have made the shift harder for the ones there. I plan to call our son in New Mexico later today and see how they are doing. He has put in his official retirement paperwork with the Air Force, so January 2017 will be the date, but he has so much leave accrued that I think they will be leaving there around September of this year and he will just be using up the leave he has built up. Not sure where they are going to yet to call home. He has talked to us a lot about here, but his wifes family is in Florida, and I think she wants to go back there. I am very happy for them. I cannot imagine being 43 and already having 25 years in. He went in so young. But now he can just do a part time or even full time job of his choosing, if that’s what he wants to do. I know several companies have approached him with offers. His wife is a nurse, too. Lots of nurses in our family LOL
Jerry and his Mom are riding over to Arkansas today, to visit some places where she and Paw Paw used to live. Its only across the Mississippi River and then about 25 miles. He wanted to take her on an
“adventure” as he called it. He is loving this time they are having together. He really needed this closeness with his Mom, since losing his Dad. She spends a lot of time over here, too. She sits in the Lazy Boy and they watch a movie, and she drifts off to sleep. She will be 90 in December, Adele, so she has something in common with Tillie. We have already talked about doing a big party for her birthday too. I think everyone should have a celebration on their birthday. I have a niece who shares my birthday, and she is exactly 20 years younger than me; so when she complains about how old she is, I always tease her and say, just think, I’ll swap you my age for yours. Ha ha. By the way, she is a nurse too! LOL
Well, those dumplings aren’t going to cook themselves; so I better get busy. So glad to have a working computer so I can talk to you all. Hope everyone is enjoying the day. Oh yes, Gail, you would think with all we have had going on that my Quacker buying would be little to none, but somehow I have managed to save room to feed that addiction. My latest was some yellow pedal pushers and a green striped top. I’m still decorating it as Jeanne would say! Tale care everyone/Bye for now. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! Let's Celebrate Spring in All It's Glory. #36719

Well HELLO HELLO HELLO to ALL!!!!!!!! So very happy to be back with you ladies after what seems like forever. We are physically okay, but not sure about the mental part. We have been so very very busy with taking care of Jerrys Mom and trying to help her with all the many things needed to be done for her. She is doing so much better, and I have to say it is from all the things that Jerry has been doing for and with her. I am very proud of him for being such a loving son. I can only hope that if a time came in our lives for this type of help that our boys would be there for us like he has been for his Mom. He has not missed a single day in three months of either going to get her, take her to doctor appointments, or other things like her car insurance, homeowners insurance, drivers license, etc. that needed to be taken care of. And then there has been a long list of bills, property taxes, and on and on that he has helped her take care of. Enough of that. Just know we have had our hands full to say the least.
I know that I have missed so many things that have been going on in everyone’s life but so hope everyone is doing well, and that all the family is too. Everyone here is okay. Sarah has a baby belly now, and is really doing well. They just told us a few days ago that they are moving out in two weeks into an apartment. I know it will be a good move for them and for us as well. I think we all may have gotten on each others nerves every now and then, and it will do us all some good to have a little breathing room, but I must admit, even though I put on my brave face, and told our son that I completely understood, that I have shed a few tears over this. They are grown, and I want them to be happy, just know I will miss them and will miss hearing their footsteps upstairs and just knowing that they are there. But I think Sarah is ready for her husband to be all hers and not husband and our son too. Like I said, I really do understand, just hurt a little, will miss them both, and am anxious for the baby to make his appearance. They are moving close to her parents; which is okay, but a much longer drive for us. She seems to be feeling really good now, and really has not gained much weight.
I fell a few weeks ago. I was out walking and decided to walk out to the barn which is about 400 or so feet from our house. I had my cell phone in my pocket, thank goodness, and when I tripped over something in the grass I just went sideways and down I went. The grass was pasture grass, so it was about a foot high, and I think I got my foot caught in some kind of weeds. One of the dogs kept running over to me and licking my hand or face as if to try to help me. I called Joey and he and Lisa came and helped me up. I didn’t tell Jerry at first. mainly because I didn’t want to be lectured about how I should not have walked out so far, but finally told him and by then I knew I was just fine, but it was a real wake up call for me. I simply could not get myself up. I felt so helpless. It was a blessing I had my phone. God was watching out for me. So now I don’t go anywhere without some kind of phone, or someone with me.
I will close for now, and hope this gets through to you all. I surely hope all is well with everyone. I have missed our chats so much. I surely hope not to be away so long now. Take care everyone. Will be checking back soon. Hugs from Tennessee and me, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: May 2016 Be Happy, Healthy and Prosperous For All Quackers Near and Far! #23716

It seems like each day brings a new set of adventures around old Tennessee land for us. Jerry has been gone EVERY day with some got to do this right now project with his Mom. Mind you, I am not complaining about his helping her; but there are only so many hours in the day; and he is really beginning to show wear and tear on him from all this constantly being on the go. It is about a 45 minute trip, one way, from our home to hers and I worry so much about both of them. She does not live in a very good neighborhood; but she had lived in that house for such a long time that it is all she knows. I truly understand when she says that she doesn’t want to leave her home; but I so wish she could only see how much better off she would be in an assisted living home where she could be with others her age. We have even thought about asking Joey if he would move out of Paw Paws old house out back of our place so she could live there and we could see about her. Jerry has found out so much about what his brothers have been up to since she was hurt. The reason she couldn’t come to the phone to talk to Jerry of Thanksgiving was not because she was in the bathroom like his brother told Jerry; she was at a hospital where they were trying to have her mentally committed. Jerry is so hurt. He promised his Dad that he would make sure his Mom was taken care of if he was gone. I want to just bless them out; but you know what? It just wouldn’t do any good. Family—-we want only good memories but we know that isn’t possible.
Hope that the new baby is here and healthy. What an exciting time with new life coming into this world! All the wonderful things she will be able to see and do in this world. Hope MaMa is doing well too. I am sure she is tired but very happy. Congratulations, Colleen. So glad your Mom is better too.
It is 17 degrees here right now, and it is only 9 at night. It is bitterly cold here. We went from mild to extremely cold in a matter of a few hours. I know you all have had some ice and snow; but we just are not used to these bitter temps in this area. I think; and this may just be how I feel, but since we are not used to this cold, that when it does come, it seems so much worse to us than if it just stayed this was all the time (not that I am hoping for that ha ha) I layered my Quacker today. And this is one day I just stayed indoors. Our neighbors called about 2 and asked if they could just stop by and visit. We said of course; and we had the nicest visit. We have been neighbors for over 25 years. They are both retired. The husband has some heart problems, but still gets around good; but of course; she worries about him; because he also tries to do more than he should. She is a retired nurse; worked in pediatrics for many years. Their son and our boys have been good friends since childhood. It was really nice. She said they just was sitting around the house talking to each other about how fast time has flown, and starting to feel sorry for themselves, and said lets just go see Jerry and Barbara.
I have to close for now. Oh, yes, Sarah has been sick with laryngitis. She is finally beginning to feel some better. Her OB doctor put her on some antibiotics. I did the laundry for them since she wasn’t feeling well, and got Neal’s work clothes all ready for this week.
Made homemade chicken and dumplings yesterday; the kind you roll out the dumplings on the counter top and drop them in the broth. Gosh, it was good. Bye for now. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: May 2016 Be Happy, Healthy and Prosperous For All Quackers Near and Far! #23446

SO COLD here in Tennessee today! I know you all are so much more ready for colder temps than we thin blooded Southerners’ are; but I have on my thick wool socks, and two shirts, and my Quacker jeannes, and I am still freezing. Jerry has a warm fire in our wood stove; that is our main source of heat. We had a load of wood delivered just a few weeks ago; and so we have a good supply. Would you believe that it was in the 80’s when we had the wood brought in? I felt sorry for the man who delivered it; because it was so hot that day that he was sweating. The temperature dropped so much while I was out yesterday. I was so cold that I stopped at one of those expensive coffee shops and got me a big tall hot chocolate; made with half and half no less; none of that low fat cappuccino for this girl. LOL It warmed me up though. Poor Gregg with that ankle. Gail, it has been my experience with sprained ankles that it can take weeks for it to get better; and the more he has to be up on it; the worse it will be for him. But I know he is probably like Jerry and doing more than he should. I worry so much about our guys in our little group. Common sense just goes right out the window when they feel that work needs to be done. Jerry worked all day on that darn commode; and now his knees are so swollen and sore that he can barely get around. He looks really bad to me today; like he is just drained. I am worried that he has been doing too much; what with his Mom and all the things that have been going wrong around here lately. As the old saying goes “when it rains, it pours”
I sure hope that Colleens’ Mom is better. I know she really loves her and is worried about her. Is she in the hospital? Yes, you all are so fortunate to still have your Moms. I lost my Mom and Dad about 15 years ago for my Dad and about 8 years ago for my Mom. Gail, on those bank accounts of Jerrys Mom, his brother has his name under her name on the account as POD then his name; so any monies that is in the account would be his. He is the one in Mexico. To say Jerry is upset would be putting it mildly. Jerry got her all set up with groceries, and has been in touch with the First Alert system that she will wear around her neck to press if she needs help. Now he has to have a home security system put in; if he can’t talk her into going into a retirement home close by us. We have absolutely no room in our home now; since Neal and Sarah are living with us. (and of course the wee one) She stays mostly in her pajamas now when she is home. She said she just wants to be “comfy” and I don’t blame her. It is so strange when I look at my son and think, he is going to be a Daddy, he will see a new life come into this world, and experience all the joy and wonder of raising a child. I know this is one of those deep reflections of life that seem to be drifting into my mind especially recently. By the way; I am called MiMi and Jerry is called Poppy. I think we all have sweet little grandma and grandpa names. LOL
Have you all bought any new Quacker lately? I have pulled out pieces that I haven’t even taken the tags off yet; so I am busy wearing them. Did a cheesecake today; and am going to fry some chicken for dinner; make some veggies, rolls, and may do a quick one bowl cake or brownies. This is one of those days I just feel like having some good smells coming from the kitchen and a good warm meals for us and the kids today. I am with you all; just about ready for the early bird special for us too. It is funny how we used to laugh at Jerrys Mom and Dad for making sure they left before 4 pm in order to get the discounts ha ha. And we have actually started only getting one entrée when we order a “to go” meal; and he and I just share the meal when we get home. For us to purchase two meals is just too much food for us. You would think my waist line would decrease too; but somehow that is not the case ha ha
Hope everyone (kids and adults) are feeling better today. We had actually planned a trip down to a casino today for a few hours just to have somewhere to go; but with Jerry’s knee so swollen; we decided not to go today. Better for our wallets anyway. (Not that we ever spend that much when we go; we just always have free buffet tickets ha ha) But it makes a nice drive for us to go down.
Take care and hope to hear from you all soon. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: May 2016 Be Happy, Healthy and Prosperous For All Quackers Near and Far! #23397

Hello to everyone. Gosh, how I have missed looking on here every day to keep up with you all. I miss my friends so much! This has been such a nightmare trying to help Jerrys Mom out with all her finances, her bills, her safety, her phone = it just goes on and on. He is gone right now helping her to get her Cricket phone hooked back up. They just shut it off, and she was unable to call us so all night long he lay awake worrying. I really felt that she had just accidently left it on; but he was right, she had another bill that needed to be paid. We are not familiar with this type of phone; so he has taken her to the phone store to find out what all is going on and get things all paid up. And she has some kind of water bugs in her home, and that is just something Jerry is livid about that his brothers has let this go on and not had her house exterminated, so he and his Mom will have to be gone for 3 hours away from the house after they finish spraying or whatever. He took her to the doctor this week for a check up; and the doctor said he feels she can manage with help. He told Jerry he is proud of him; because he remembers Jerry from all the years of bringing his Dad to see him and now here he is with his Mom. He told Jerry right in front of his Mom that this is the way it always happens, that one child takes care of everything and all the others just sit back and do nothing. He encouraged her to go with Jerry to look at assisted living places, and she said that she has lived in her home for 65 years; but that she would go with him to look. The doctor told her that he could if he felt it was for her own good, write for her to HAVE to go into a home; but he felt she was not there, but he wanted her to know that he will look out for her welfare. I was glad he did that so she knows that Jerry is not just suggesting this for any reason but for her safety. Jerry also has arranged for a First Alert thing for her to wear around her neck, Jerry has also, in having to take her to the bank, that she has two separate savings accounts worth over 2ooooo, with both his Mom and one of his brothers names on it; so if she passes away, all the money will be his. Talk about a shocker to Jerry. He is so hurt that this is happening. Well, enough of this.
We are doing okay otherwise. Neal is very excited about the wee one. I think he will make a great Daddy and hoping Sarah will let us be grandparents. Jerry and I are so excited too. It looks so cute on the little ultrasound. She has had quite of bit of nausea, but not as bad as some that I have seen,. Colleen, isn’t your little one due real soon? I am happy for you all too. 2016 is a big baby year, isn’t it? We should suggest some Quacker tops for little ones that match the Mommy and Grand Mommy tops! Wouldn’t that be cute?
I miss Debbie so much too. She could always write the most interesting news. I so hope Scott is helping her out; and I’m sure he is. She was always right there with him working on projects.
Speaking of projects; right in the middle of all this that we have had going on, one of our commodes broke. It had something to do with all that stuff on the inside. Poor Jerry once again had to work on it; and finally got it fixed. His back hurt him so much. The boys were both at work; and I tried to talk him into waiting for one of them; but his stubbornness would not let him. It was one of those things that has made me say that from now on that we will be calling the plumbers for if the boys are not available. He just cannot go on doing these things.
I really hope you all are well and I am so sorry to hear of your little grand daughter being so sick, Gail. I hope she is doing better. With your compromised immune system, I know how you must want to go and comfort her; but I really feel you should stay away until she is better.
Take care everyone. Will write more as soon as I can. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Holidays are Coming. Let's Share Peace and Goodwill Throughout the World! #23094

Happy New Year’s Eve across the miles to all my Quacker ladies! Hope you all have a safe, wonderful evening, and that some of us can manage to stay up late enough to watch the ball drop. I usually fall asleep right before the big event, even though I have such trouble staying asleep most nights. Neal and Sarah just picked up a big order or hot wings at a local store and have gone to some friends that live close by. They had their first ultrasound done today, so we got our first glimpse of the wee one. It’s little heartbeat was just beating away. Neal recorded it on his I-Phone during the procedure. They have so much technology today. Neal said the baby is about the size of a grape now. Made me cry again. Tears of happiness. Can you tell I am excited? LOL I look forward to continuing to hear about all of your grands and their sweet little happenings that they do. They all sound so cute I know that you all just want to grab them up and give them big hugs. Everyone seems convinced that this will be a little girl, but to be honest, I feel it may be a boy. The baby is due around the first of August. Lisa is happy by outward appearances, but sad on the inside, and in private to Joey. She wanted to have a child first, but its like I tried to tell Joey, God has a plan, and we will understand it all one day. Since now has been for Neal and Sarah; just think of all the great time that she and Joey will have all to themselves when it is their turn for exciting news. Her shingles is better. I honestly believe that stress has brought it on. She is a real worrier. If I could only make her see that most of the things we worry about are not things all the worry in the world could change; so why not just look for the good in life and celebrate this instead of worrying about all we cannot change?
So glad you are safe, Colleen. I was really worried about you and your family. Gail, I am glad that Piper kept MOST of her clothes on that day. I still say she is bound for a fashion stylist career. She is such a free spirit and will probably be so artistic. I just see a little flower child in her. Is Aizen still helping you with his little tree? He and Jerry would be such good buddies with their love of trees. Jerry can talk for hours about trees. I used to worry about him talking to his trees; but not anymore. He has convinced me that they are alive, and respond when you talk to them so I just let him pat them and tell them how good they are doing, or that they will get better if they are not doing too well. Gives him something to do. ha ha
Jerry and I are just snacking tonight. Joey and Lisa are going to shoot off fireworks out back in the big open field. She loves to see the bright lights, but it scares poor little Ruby (the loud noise) so she stays up here with us. We are drinking the last of his eggnog; so I will probably be tipsy by 8 at the latest. It really does taste delicious. Wish I liked wine; but it makes me get really hot all over; flushed like. I live slushy fruity drinks that don’t really taste like you are drinking alcohol, but they can get me in trouble too. Jerry got me some kind of packets of drinks, like margarita, that you just put in the freezer and then take it out when you want to drink it and cut the top off and pour it into your glass. Yum, Yum.
I haven’t baked since Christmas. Have you Adele? I am not looking forward to all the bombardment that is coming on the Q and everywhere else about the first of the year weight loss programs. I look just like I look because I eat; and that’s all there is to it; and I get so tired of the guilt trips coming about how I should look better for my health when I don’t here them say that I should look better because it will make them richer because I am buying their products. I just saw them advertising on TV some kind of stair stepper that looked like a medieval type of torture device. Course, there is always some lady of it that weighs about 120 pounds not 220 pounds. Guess the reason is the poor thing would be like me; unable to even get up on it if I wanted to; which I don’t. ha ha
Jerry is seeing about his Mom everyday. Really wish we could talk her into an extended care facility close to where we live; so we could see her everyday and she would have lots of company; and be in a safe area. Jerry is taking her to her PCP on Tuesday; so they will talk more then. He went to the bank with her yesterday; and she is in the process of opening up a new account where Jerry can write for her; which she does need someone she can trust to do. The son who had his name on her checks lives in Mexico building a brewery. He makes so much money. It is just hard to believe that he has done so many underhanded things and so has the youngest one; to their Mom. I cannot imagine money driving people to this extreme. This has really hurt Jerry so badly.
Well, must go for now and get our little snacks put out. Jerry just asked me if I was ready for some eggnog; and I just must eat something before I drink some. ha ha I just want to say how much you all have meant to me through this year and all the other years. I thank Jeanne for bringing us all together. Take care all, and happy, healthy and wonderful New Year! Hugs to all——-Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Holidays are Coming. Let's Share Peace and Goodwill Throughout the World! #23027

Hello everyone. I have missed you all so much but we are okay from all this flooding that is happening. The water is so high, but I have really worried about Colleen, and our family in Missouri. Our family members live close to Springfield, and there is lots of flooding and storms. We have had some really bad storms, and lots of rain, but God has really watched over our area and no tornadoes. They have been all around us. The poor people in Mississippi have lost so many lives there and I know also in Missouri and other areas. Our weather up until today, has been so hot, up in the 70’s and so humid. Our back patio has been just soaking wet with the humidity; so any time that anyone comes in the door; it just brings in so much trash on their feet. We have started just leaving our shoes by the door on a rug. But today, the cold is here; down in the 40’s. We had a very good Christmas celebration. We finally all were able to be together on Saturday. The only down side was that Lisa caught Joey completely off guard in her expecting a ring. They have not gone to the premarital counseling yet (which is my requirement for them to continue to live out here with us). Adele, I think you would be proud of me. I have done so much thinking and praying about the right thing to do (or NOT do) where the boys are concerned, and Jerry and I really feel that since Joey and Lisa have had so much problems in their relationship, that they can only benefit from counseling, and help them, and certainly not hurt either of them to really get to know one another through a trained person in the matters of the heart. So, since they have not gone yet (next class held at church doesn’t start until the end of January); we are not sure why she had her expectations set so high this soon. But they really do seem to be getting along so much better, and seem so much happier together. Also, Lisa was sent home from work today; she has shingles. She has been complaining of pain around her side and ribs, but she just thought it was from all those broken ribs she suffered from; but not so in this case. The bumps just came up yesterday, and she is in such pain. Joey is off tonight and tomorrow night. I had shingles once many years ago. Have any of you all? It was terribly painful.
Do you all have special plans for New Years Eve? Jerry and I will be watching Jimmy Stewart in the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. That has been a New Years Eve tradition for he and I for as long as I can remember. We drink some of his homemade egg nog that was his Dad’s special recipe, and I get kind of loopy, since I am not much of a drinker, it only takes a small amount to make me feel really good. So the boys all know that he and I will be having a quiet night to bring in the new year. I love to watch the ball drop in Time Square on the TV. The boys don’t go out and do the party thing. Joey has to work Friday, Sat, and Sunday nights. Our little outside doggies will be barking and barking at all the fireworks in the area. It really scares them. Poor little things just shake and shake. Auto Kitty goes and gets in his box (a QVC box of course) that I sit in the middle of the bed; I think since he fits in it like a glove that it keeps him really warm; and he picks his head up occasionally, but for the most part doesn’t pay any attention to the noise. It can really get loud out here. Do you all have celebrations? I saw where some are having ice and snow. Sure hope you all are okay. We usually get ice storms when the temp drops; with sleet and that is so much worse on us down here; because the South is not built for ice. You can’t see it on the roads, and it causes so many wrecks. I used to worry so much about Jerry when he would be driving all over the country. He would go from hot to cold and all things in between. Our son in New Mexico is having snow and ice for the first time in many years there. His wife called at Christmas, and I could hear him talking in the background; but she never asked if I would like to speak to him. So hard for me to accept but it is what it is.
Jerry has been SO busy with his Mom. He is taking her for her doctor appointments, to the bank, car dealership to repair her car, and she is begging him to help her with her things to keep the other two from holding her captive in their home. Would you believe that she actually had to sneak out of her youngest sons house one night, went to a neighbors home and begged the neighbor to call the police, that her son was refusing to let her go to her own home, the police came and her son said she is ‘crazy’ so they took her to a mental hospital to have her evaluated. Jerry knew nothing of this until one day when he called to try to talk with her, and his nephew told him she was back at her own home. He went to her home and found out that the phych hospital has kept her for a week and ran all kinds of mental tests on her and found her to be mentally competent to go to her own home. Those two sons are trying to say she is insane. One has already gotten control of her banking, and they are writing checks from her account. It is an absolute shame. So Jerry has been so busy trying to help her. What a mess this all is.
Now, for the greatest, most wonderful, most exciting news all——————OUR BABY BOY IS HAVING A BABY! He asked me two days ago real casually like, if I am ready to be a grandmother again? I was SO excited I just cried and cried. Our other grand child was eight when Buddy and her Mom married; so I haven’t ever been able to be there from the very beginning. We love her; so I can only imagine how happy we will be watching all the changes taking place with Sarah as the months pass. I can tell that Neal is a little nervous; he said he is really hoping to be a good Daddy, and he also said he knows now that his whole life has changed with those few words. Joey is beyond belief excited for Neal and Sarah. He just hugged and hugged them both. That made me cry too. All happy tears. Sarah has had quite a bit of morning sickness; but all is all; things are going okay. So that was the best Christmas present they could have ever given us. So as you can tell, our lives have lots going on. I know you all are so happy for us. I just couldn’t wait to tell you all.
Will close for now, and hope and pray you all are doing okay. We have been so very busy that I will have to read your posts to catch up on all your news. Take care and be careful everyone.
Hugs, Grannie Barbara from the cold and wet state of Tennessee

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Holidays are Coming. Let's Share Peace and Goodwill Throughout the World! #22717

Hello Girls! Hope your sore throat is much better, Adele, and that your tummy is calm for you Colleen. Gosh, I know you must be so tired of letting that tummy give you so much trouble and here we are with all this coming and going revolving around the kitchen table. Just rest and let the girls help. I saw a commercial on the other day (during one of my “wish I had gotten this or that” spells) that said, the real joy of having everyone getting together is to HONOR the older members of the family who have made so many sacrifices in their lives to give their children and grandchildren a good safe life. It was showing them all around a table having the older members of the family as the “honored guests” so to speak. Really struck a cord with me. Here I was just worrying about, as you say Colleen, all those little gift bags with nothing but gift cards in them, that are under our little tree, and I really should be thinking about how grateful I am that Jerry and I am able to give our young folks these gift cards. I think sometimes I am the guilty one who gets caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget that I am we are closer to 70 than we are to 60, and when is it our turn to just sit back and not feel GUILTY about it? Don’t get me wrong, I am not ready to hang up my apron, but do really know how I push myself, and Jerry pushes himself and then we suffer in silence. I had one of my sleepless nights last night. Woke up about 2 am and stayed awake until about 5. My shoulder was really aching. I can always tell when it is about to rain or is raining. Do you all have that same problem? I can’t help but wonder why I am like this. It is like I have had a full nights sleep and my mind just starts to race. Wish I could come up with some brilliant idea of how to solve some of the worlds problems or even some of our little disagreements. You are so right in how when Jerry didn’t take Sarah up on her offer to help with bringing groceries in; and he does expect the boys to step up to the plate like sort of a “man” thing. Jerry opens doors for me and helps me to get up steps and such; so I know he was only trying to look out for her and I just felt so bad when she made it seems differently. I wish I had spoken up; but felt they would think I was listening to their conversation. Mabey this is why I don’t sleep so well at night ha ha
Your cookies look and sound so good. I made the butter one; not too fancy but tasted really good. I also made fudge, and they ate it all the day I made it so I had to end up fixing another batch. ha ha So I guess it is safe to say that they liked it. I love to munch this time of year, just go around tasting a little or sometimes a lot, of everything. I was watching the Pioneer Woman today, and she made some scalloped potato casserole and it just looked delicious. It had a creamy cheese sauce and she made a ham to go along with it. Are you all having ham for Christmas dinner? What is on your menu?
Hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas week. Please take the time to just sit back and watch and listen to the wonderful sights and sounds of this blessed season. Here’s wishing you all peace, love, and wonderful memories to make for this year. Will talk to you soon. Hugs from down South, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Holidays are Coming. Let's Share Peace and Goodwill Throughout the World! #22552

Happy Holidays to All. As usual, lots of goings on around here. I must admit, there really is never a dull moment. Bet you all are ready for the big guy to make his appearance. I finally put up this little tinsel tree with bird ornaments on it and some of those tiny lights. It is small, but really does look pretty. Jerry and I just sit and watch it at night, and do a lot of reminiscing. I have a funny story for you all. We decided to take all the kids and wives out to dinner for a Christmas family sit down so Jerry asks Neal about his and Sarahs schedule, and Joey about his and Lisas. Well, Neal goes says, why do you all want to do that? and of course, I just said I thought it would be nice. So off the two of them go to a holiday party and we think nothing more of it. But then about two hours later the phone rings, and it is Neal, and he says, “Now why exactly do you all want to meet with us at dinner one night all of a sudden?” “Has something bad happened and you and Dad just need to get us all together to talk?” I assured him all is fine, and then he says really serious like, “you all are not about to move in an old folks home or something like that are you?” I realized then that he really was worried, and I said for goodness sakes son, we just want to have a nice meal together all of us during this busy holiday season. He said again, “you’re sure?” and I said yes, so he said okay, we will check about our schedules. Jerry was listening, and when I hung up he said to me, what in the world was THAT all about? I have to admit I had to laugh, and said we might better try to start moving a little faster, our son thinks we are considering going to the retirement community to live out our days! He is the only one I still have not bought for Christmas. Gosh, they just seem to have everything. I asked Joey to help me think of something, and he is stumped too. So I am hoping something just pops up. Have you all finished all you had to do? I made a batch of butter cookies (not fancy as yours Adele) and put them in our neighbors mailboxes yesterday in those little ribbon tie bags. Everyone called and said they are good. Jerry does his Dads eggnog recipe this time of year too so that is his job for this weekend. He used liquor in it, and although I am not much of a drinker, I do love this eggnog. So hopefully, there will be a good nights sleep that night.
Sarah is having a hard time adjusting to working nights. She does better if her shifts all are in a row; but this week, she worked Monday night and was off until tonight and tomorrow night. But she absolutely loves working for St. Jude. You all may have heard of it; the famous cancer hospital for children. It is so well known all over the world. She also still works part time at her other job. Speaking of her; Jerry and I were just coming in from the grocery store the other day, and she offered to help. Jerry told her that he had it and then not five minutes later, Neal walks in the patio door and what does Jerry do but say “there is a lot left to bring in son” and I overhear her say to Neal, “I offered and he told ME no” I could have just bopped Jerry. He thinks our boys should just drop everything, and he is already mad at her for not helping me (and this it the honest truth, she doesn’t raise her hand still) but I feel it just plays right into her way of drawing Neal away from us by his doing this. I got all over him when they went upstairs, and told him, if you would not say anything, and just wait and see if he offers to help, and then if he does then fine, and if he doesn’t then fine, but in his turning her down and then asking Neal to help, that this is wrong. Am I making sense? I have searched my heart so long and hard, and I really know we have been good to them, but Jerry can be such a pill himself that he just throws gas on an already burning fire by what he does.
Colleen, I still say Jerry and Ron are kindred spirits. Jerrys thing is close the door. He can leave it open and no one says a word, but he is forever saying “close the door” It is like everyone has to rush in to keep every bug in the world from coming in. One day he actually said a mouse was going to run in when Joey came inside. I have been steering clear of him since he has been watching the debates. That stuff really stirs him up ha ha. But I have to admit that there have been so many horrible things happening in this country that I am concerned myself for all of our welfare. God help us and our country.
We put the Christmas outfits on the dogs and on Auto Kitty. Auto kitty had a mad fit. He pouted for hours. He finally got hungry and came around to us again. He reminds me of that grumpy kitty cat.
I too was thinking of all our friends we have met on here, Gail. We have been on this site for many years now and I hope we are for many years to come. I feel so close to you all, and love to read your stories, I feel I am right there with you. Wish I could come on more often. Mabey a new computer will help me. I am trying to hold out until after the holidays; so they may put some on sale. I know they will begin doing a big clothing sale after the holidays. Oh, by the way Gail, I too am wearing a Christmas outfit each day. Even if we just sit here I like to have one on. I miss Debbie, hope she is okay. How is Christine doing with her puppy dog? He was so lucky to find such a loving home. I had Joey take my old blankets and towels and some food and doggie and kitty treats to the shelter. I just can’t bare to go myself, it makes me too sad. But I so hope it brings the little animals some comfort.
Take care all, and enjoy your family time together. Peace and love in and among our family would be the greatest gift I could receive (along with good health for everyone of course). Talk to you all as soon as I can. Hugs Barbara

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