[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Holidays are Coming. Let's Share Peace and Goodwill Throughout the World! #22277

Hello to my dear friends. Such a long time between our visits; but AGAIN this crazy computer has gone on the blink and Jerry finally got it to where I am able to get on here and hopefully talk to you all. I haven’t had a chance to read all of your news, will try to do that later, hope all is going well, so very sorry for your loss of Biskit Colleen. That I saw on my IPad but then I lost all contact with you all. Hope all else is well with you all. I remember all of you all and your families in my prayers, so just in case something is not going good, I will at least be able to do that for you. I know you all have been so busy decorating and baking and visiting. Sarah has started working her full time night shifts, and has been gone the last three nights. She seems to be adjusting so much better than I was able those many years ago. Course, I did have three children at home, plus the big kid, Jerry, and I would feel so guilty if I heard one of them laughing or the TV or something. Neal would throw open the bedroom door about whenever he could get away from Jerry for a minute (he was about 3 at the time) and throw open the bedroom door and just holler out to me “I have to go potty MaMa!” and then by that time Jerry would be saying loudly, “Neal, Don’t Wake MaMa UP!” ha ha I missed them so much. We would get up about 4 am on Christmas morning, so we could all be together to see what Santa had brought. I had to work so many Christmas days or even worse, the Eve and then would try so hard to stay awake but would have to be back at 7 that night. But we were young, and funny how you do what you have to do, and somehow it all works out. But to shorten this story; bottom line is that Jerry told me that he wanted me to find me a new computer, that this one is just used up. So, will keep my eyes open for some special deal. Any ideas that might help me make a choice?
Would you believe that we only have a little tree made from the tinsel things like an old timey tree, and I have my Ellen bird ornaments on it. I have candles in the bay windows, that come on later at night, and have a green light on the front porch to show support for the military and their families. But other than that, we are not a very decorated home this year. I do believe that we will do more this weekend. All of the children and their significant others will drop by and I am going to enlist their help in this project. I feel we will soon learn who is the Grinch and who are the decorators ha ha
Have been through some tension with the boys here recently. Jerry and I had our feelings hurt really badly the other day; and I have such mixed feelings about what happened that I am still lying awake nights going over this in my mind, and trying to keep Jerry calm and rational. Here is what happened. About a month ago the ceiling fan in Neals room quit. He and Jerry worked on it for a couple of days, with lots of agitation and aggrevation, until finally Jerry gave in and admitted they would have to have a new ceiling fan. Believe you me, it takes a long time for Jerry to admit he can’t fix something, but by the third day of reaching up over his head and handing tools to Neal, his back was in agony and he finally gave up. We could have had someone come in and replace it; but that would have been too easy. So here is where the pain came in. Jerry had offered at the beginning of finding out that the fan had quit working, to pay for half the cost, since Jerry wanted to be able to help chose the fan. But Neal said no, and we thought that he meant no, he had the fan taken care of. Well, he and Sarah go to the home store, pick out of fan of their choosing, bring it home, and he and Jerry install it. Well, now we forward to three days ago. Sarah hands money to Neal before she goes to work, and after she leaves, he hands it to me and says, “Mom here is the rent and some money for the utilities” I didn’t count it until later, but when I did it was $100 less than the 400 we charge them for rent; so I called upstairs and said I was afraid that the bank had shorted her on the money, because it was less. He said okay, he would be sure and check with her about this. Well, the next morning he ups and says to me, oh, yeah, I asked Sarah about the money and she said I had told her to only pay 300 because they had bought the ceiling fan. To say the air sucked out of me would be an understatement. I know that he did not tell her this or he would have said so the night before, that when he talked with her that she must have told him that they really didn’t owe us as much since they had bought that fan. I was so hurt that our son would not want to help me and Jerry, especially since he knows that they are so well off financially, and we are going through a hard time with the pension cut and all. But I just have to say, it hurt my heart in a way I thought I couldn’t be hurt. It’s probably just a part of this thing with Joey and Lisa, and all the tension we have been going through, but I have so many mixed emotions about this. We go out to the store all the time and buy things for them and never ask for a dime to pay us back. Help me girls, to try to understand this. Jerry of course, says if he had known we were going to be charged, that he had rather paid for the whole cost of the fan, and gotten what he wanted. Such a mess and so hard to keep it out of our minds. ‘
On a better note, I have on one of my Quacker shirts to cheer me up. It is a summer shirt, with short sleeves, has an ice cream come in sparkles on the front and it red. It is warm here today. Rain is in the forecast; so guess that explains the 70 degree weather.
Will close for now before this thing goes cold on me again. I think of you all every day, and am sending happy thoughts. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: The Holidays are Coming. Let's Share Peace and Goodwill Throughout the World! #21875

Hello my good Quacker buddies! First, let me say to Colleen, I do know how you feel with family being sent to Korea, since our oldest son has been on two tours of duty there. He was based there for a total of about 4 years altogether; and although I really missed him and of course worried; he told me that he had no problems while there. In fact; he told me that he really saw some beautiful things there. So; even though I know there is no way you can not worry and miss someone you love; I hope this will comfort you a little. On another note; Jerry talked to his Mom. She is SO ready to go to her own home and is asking Jerry to come and get her. He tried to call his brother later; but no answer. So he said he is going to go by and see them. I hope this goes okay. I know she wants to be in her own home where all her things are; and her little doggie is in his own home too. I know Jerry is going to talk to his brother about taking her home and them all paying to have home health come in around the clock. There is a few nephews (we don’t even have girl nieces in this family; let alone any daughters close by) but they could live with her and be there at night if she needed help. I just know there is a solution; if they will just get their minds out of her poor little money and start thinking about their mothers welfare. Adele; unfortunately you did hit the nail on the head when you said money is the driving force in this triangle of brothers. Jerry is the only one who does not want any of her money; its hers and should be used for her and by her. Okay; I will get off my soapbox now.
I am so glad your husband is okay, Adele. Don’t they just scare the life out of us at times? It seems all of us have had our lives pass before our eyes with our husbands. I remember I was having a staff meeting when I got the call from Jerry partner that he had fallen those 15 feet out of that truck onto the interstate, and broken his back, and he was crying and hysterical and I couldn’t tell how bad it was or even if he was still alive; because the man didnt know. I was so scared. He was out of town on a run; and I couldn’t get in touch with anyone. Thank goodness with me working at a Trauma Center; I was able to contact the one that they took Jerry to; and finally get flown to him. What a horrible time. But thank God we lived to tell about it. I remember when we finally got flown back to home and into our Trauma center; just looking around the room one night at all of his relatives who were just yucking it up about some stupid thing that had happened to one of them at work that day; and I looked down at my husband, broken back, IV’s everywere; braced, tube down his nose, tube down his thoat; well, you get the picture; and thinking, God help me, please don’t let me be left with these people, please don’t take my husband. They don’t have a clue or they don’t really care about how serious this is. I must be mundane tonight. Here I am trying to comfort you and I don’t think its working with one of my Smith stories LOL
On to a holiday story. Ha Ha The first Christmas Jerry and I were married I was so excited. We had very little money; but somehow I just knew he would come up with some sweet surprize for me anyway. Well, the big day came, and I couldn’t wait to open the box he so sweetly handed me. It was a pyrex bowl———–I burst out crying, I just couldn’t help it. I had built my hopes up so much I guess and bless his heart, he really thought I wanted this bowl since I had told him so in the store one day. He always; from that Christmas forward; would say, whatever you do, don’t give your MaMa a
bowl and the kids would not understand what he was talking about but we knew. Another story, he waited until the last day to go shop for me and I got a little mad (hard to believe I know) ha ha, but he says to me; well, you just go pick you out whatever you want and just say it is my present to you. Now this is so unlike me, but since I was so agrivated; I went and ended up in a jewelry store, and bought myself a beautiful cocktail ring that the boys and I picked out for me! We were so excited the next morning when Neal (who was about 5) handed me the box, and said, here is your present from Daddy, and poor Jerry thought it was just some little piece of costume jewelry like I would have normally gotten. But then it dawned on him it was diamonds and rubies, and I wish I had made a picture of his poor face. Believe you me; that was the one and only time Jerry hasn;t been able to go out and find something for me in a timely manner. It really isn;t the cost that coulnts to me; but the principle that year took precedence over the thought of the gift. Must say; it was one of my nicest Christmas’ ever ha ha
Will close for now. I am sure you all are tired of reading all my stories by now. You all mean so much to me. Just love to hear how your lives are going. Adele, do you have a favorite Christmas Butter cookie recipe? I love to watch The Chew too. Take care everyone. By the way, Colleen, how is that back brace going? And Gail, are you still having to wear the boot? Does it help? You know, it is so funny you say how hard it is for you being short. I am 5 feet 8 inches, and I always hunched over; because it seemed to me in high school that only the short girls got the cute guys. But I can reach something on a tall shelf. Speaking of that I got a ceiling fan blade cleaning spell the other day and went all through the house. Now if I could just move past that and on to all the other things I need to be doing. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November! The Month of Thankfulness. Let's Count Our Blessings Daily. #21666

Quiet and rainy here tonight. Jerry is watching his favorite movie, Avatar, and the cat is sleeping in a qvc box again, Neal and Sarah are upstairs after all the shopping today. He made her mad at him yesterday. Her Mom had done some kind of brunch for the grandparents, and Neal must not have been in the mood for “quiche” at 2 pm, since he said it was “awful” unquote. So I have gotten busy and made that pecan pie that she asked me to do; even though Jerry fussed at me and said if she wants a so and so pie; she can make it herself ha ha. Guess he is not in the thankful mood yet; so I will have to remind him of our blessings this evening and to not take things so personally. Jerry is going to call his Mom back on Monday after the others have all left to go back to work. I have a suspicious feeling that no one told her that Jerry had called her. Joey and Lisa stopped by this afternoon on their way to some store. So they are off and running too. I have baked the two shells for my cream pies for tomorrow, and of course, her pecan pie. We made a big pan of cornbread for our stuffing, and Jerry has chopped up some onions and celery and put in zip lock bags for tomorrow. We have actually gotten quite a bit done, of yes, did the cranberry sauce too and got that in the fridge. Bet you all are kind of sick of turkey by now. You know, Adele, I was so tired the other night too that it kind of scared me too. I felt so drained that I didn’t even feel like getting up to go to the bathroom. But after some sleep; I felt better. I just got to thinking (which I have come to the conclusion that it is not really good for me to think too much about something) but anyway; I was thinking about what all my poor body has been through; the cancer, stroke, thyroid, fibromyalgia, you know and it made me kind of scared and grateful all at the same time; if you know what I mean. Was really a weird feeling. Ever happen to you all?
I am so glad you all had a good Thanksgiving with your families. That is what it is all about, isn’t it? I know we will have too much food tomorrow; but who cares? That is just part of the day.
Wonder what exotic island Angel went to on her honeymoon? Bet they are having a wonderful time. Take care everyone. Hugs to all my special friends. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November! The Month of Thankfulness. Let's Count Our Blessings Daily. #21587

Happy Turkey Day to all my Wonderful Quacker friends. Hope you all are having the best of days with your families. Jerry and I are sitting here alone. He just called over to his youngest brothers house. He has not heard a word from anyone since he took their Mom to his house last week. He said she was in the bathroom but “doing just wonderful” whatever that is supposed to mean. He also told Jerry that his other brother and his wife were there too. What a surprise. I am being sarcastic now. She NEVER spent a holiday anywhere except her Mothers home for over 30 years until her death last year; when she and her husband (one of Jerrys brothers) managed to get her Mom to make him executor to her will and they spent all of her money, which was a sizeable amount. She had 6 brothers and sisters, and guess what ? now they don’t speak. So now all of a sudden, she and jerrys brother are over at the house where Jerrys Mom is living. So now we know what is really going on. It is all coming down to money and having her checks put into their accounts; which is what Jerrys Mom has told him that they are doing while she was in the hospital. This SIL doesn’t cook; has no children. She is the one that she and her husband live separately; since he get paid extra for living and working out of town. Now he is building some sort of huge company in Texas. He comes back here once every two to three months. Adele, I am so afraid to say; but your suspicions of taking advantage of the elderly is the case; and it is really hurting Jerry, but he knows that between the lot of them that they will accomplish whatever plans they have already made between each other. Don’t people understand that money is just money, but love and feelings for family are eternal? What in the world get into people?
Speaking of people, don’t really know where all of ours are today. Guess Neal is at work, Joey is asleep, Sarah is with her grandparents and parents (by the way, her Mom doesn’t cook either, they are taking the grandparents out to dinner today, and Lisa is “resting”. So I am feeling a little down; just sitting here looking at Jerry and the cat is asleep in a box, and we are having breakfast for dinner later today. I haven’t heard from any of the boys today. Our oldest son in New Mexico doesn’t call us much now. I know I really stirred up something with that family photo thing at Neals wedding. Everytime I think of how his wife refused to even speak to us after we didn’t have our picture made that day just makes me want to say to her “how do you think you can treat me like this and be so disrespectful to your husbands Mother?” I would not have ever treated her like this, but yet she feels that she can treat me like that and our son stands by her. Very hurtful. Sorry girls. I can really relate to your little rift with your daughter Adele. Have to stand your ground sometimes.
Your pies look delicious, would love a slice or two ha ha. Will do my pies tomorrow. That will put me ahead of the game. I saw a recipe for Brussels spouts in the oven with sliced carrots and olive oil, balsamic vinegar I think. I believe I will try that. I am used to making the same side every year, and want to add something new this year. I know my crew will fuss, but Jerry and I will like it. What side do you all make? I am like Debbie; I love the next day turkey sandwich the next day.
Hope you all are enjoying your day and I know you should sleep well tonight from the turkey and from the exhaustion of the day. Hope you are doing good with you shot Colleen. That is so sweet of your daughters to be a big help for you. Just sit back and be taken care of by others today, you all deserve it. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November! The Month of Thankfulness. Let's Count Our Blessings Daily. #21494

Hello to All, I sent you all such a long note a few days ago. And it asked me if I was a robot. Then it seemed like it downloaded to you all; but I don,t see it anywhere on here. Sorry that it did that. I had so much to talk to you about. Will try to remember things I said. Jerry went to his brothers to see their Mom. She wants to go home. Jerry tried to talk him into letting her go home with home health; and he told Jerry that he has health decision papers, and that he will make those decisions. Hurt him, but this is not his first time to deal with his stubbornness. Would you believe this same brother lived with us for over 3 years when he was 19? We didn’t charge him a dime, since he had just broken up with his girlfriend and needed help. Jerry has tried too hard all his life, but I do understand why. It has all been out of love and wanting so badly to hold together the family he was born into. I feel so badly for his Mom.
We are all doing well. Sarah had a little bout of food poisoning from a wedding they attended. We think it came from the artichoke dip, since that is the only thing she ate differently than Neal. She and Lisa are doing shopping on Friday, so this is a good sign. Sarah will be going about 150 miles away Thursday to her grands for the day. Neal is working One of his employees has someone very sick in their family, so he is going to take their place. Joey has to work 7P to 7A both Wednesday and Thursday night, so we are having our dinner on Saturday. All that matters is us all being together anyway. Hope everyone has a wonderful day. Don,t work too hard. Sounds like everyone is planning a great meal. Adele, I agree with you about the graham cracker crust being easy to make by hand. Have you ever tried a Key Lime pie? That is our oldest sons favorite. Helovesthe sharp taste of the limes combined with sweetened condensed milk.
Colleen, how are you feeling? Hope you are doing better. Just sit back and enjoy the holiday. This is your year to take it easy. I know your girls will help out. They sound so good. I know you all are proud. In fact; all of us are so blessed to have such sweet children and grand children.
Gotta go and take my night time meds. Doesn’t that sound like fun! Take care. Good luck Gail with the washer. As my old saying goes, a little something is better than a whole lot of nothing! Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November! The Month of Thankfulness. Let's Count Our Blessings Daily. #21057

Happy almost turkey day to all my favorite Quacker buddies! We had bad storms all night, and now it has turned from the 70’s yesterday to then down in the 40’s after the storms. Our lights had begun to flicker early yesterday with all the strong winds, so I called the power company and they came out and checked our lines, and I honestly believe that is the reason we kept our power on during all the storms last night. Sure was grateful for that. Our closest neighbor lost power, and Neals doggie Ellie barked all the time the power company was out here working on their lines. I know Sarah got very little rest, since she is such a light sleeper. I was awake anyway; you know how my sleep habits go. I think of you girls when I am up roaming around during the night; or playing some little game on my I Pad. I told Sarah she should try some soft ear plugs or one of those sound machines; but for some reason she just won’t. Mabey thats an idea for a Christmas present! I did break down and buy a couple of gifts for my DIL’s. It is some little flip flop shoes that you wear when you have a pedicure; fancier than the ones you get at the nail salon. I was thinking of those pedi things on the Q for them; but didn’t want to offend them. I just love mine and had one for years. What are some good ideas you all have since you all have daughters and grand daughters. I can usually think of boy or men gifts; but am not as good as for my DIL’s and grand daughter. I gave them all sets of PJ’s and slippers last year. Please give me some ideas.
We are doing Thanksgiving on Friday this year because of Joey having to work on Wednesday and Thrusday night. I just want us all to be together. Sarah is going up in Tennessee with her Mom and Dad on Thursday to her grand parents. So I guess all she will want for Friday is the pecan pie ha ha. Joey,s birthday is on the 29th. He has asked us to please contribute to his “computer” fund if anyone can; since he is saving for one. He of course said if anyone is unable to that all he really wants is a German Chocolate cake and since we are having our dinner on Friday, he would like to have his birthday cake the following week; since he plans to still be doing turkey sandwiches and leftover dressing for a few days afterward ha ha. He is such a sweet boy. He would gladly give anyone the shirt off his back. He gave Lisa a kiss the other night when she came in the door from work when they were up here to eat dinner with all of us. They both seemed so relaxed that evening. Jerry and I both noticed it, and commented on this after they left. I keep hoping and praying they will find peace in their lives. It was two years ago the middle of next month when she had that horrible accident and we almost lost her.
Colleen, have you gotten your doctors appointment yet? Hope so. How are you feeling? If you don’t mind my asking; is the Protonix for your belly burning or do they feel it will help your bile duct problem? Is it stones that block your bile duct or do they know? Did they put a stint in your bile duct? Do you feel like you are in the doctors office with all these nosy questions? So sorry if I am asking so many questions, just trying to help if I can.
I am so grateful today for another day that I have been given on this beautiful earth. The leaves were so pretty today. I surely don’t take life for granted.
Jerrys Mom was released from the hospital today. It has really been nothing short of a miracle the recovery she has made. Of course, she is still all bruised and sore; but she has done so well. I just wish she could go back to her own home that she has lived in for all these years. But mabey she will be able to soon.
Gotta go for now and eat a little supper. Some one said the other day that they are watching their figure; watching it get bigger. LOL Angel surely looked pretty and very happy today. Its hard to believe that it is almost time for her marriage. I bet that will be a big event. Sounds like everyone at the Q will be there. Bet her dress will be so pretty. She has really lost a lot of weight. I’m happy for her. Wish they would have let her talk a little more on the cookie show today; but Jane has to fill us in on her cat and her ballerina. Guess she is just proud. Talk soon. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November! The Month of Thankfulness. Let's Count Our Blessings Daily. #20954

Hello to All. Cool and rainy here tonight. Jerry just got home from visiting with his Mom at the Rehab part of the hospital. She is to be released on Wednesday and for right now she says she is going to her youngest sons home. His wife is the one who just had a stroke in August. I hope she will be able to do alright with all this. He has not been very good to her lately; so I am very concerned about my SIL and how this is all going to turn out. But we take each day as it comes, and hope for the best. I know it will eventually dawn on Jerrys Mom that she is no longer at her own home, and then we will see what happens. Jerry had a great idea, I thought, but we are definitely keeping it to ourselves for now. Since his youngest brother and his wife are going through such troubled times right now; that he could just move in with his Mother at her home; and that way she would feel more comfortable and safe, and mabey he and his wife would have time to work things out between the two of them. I know that she is trying to recover from the stroke and that this will only cause more stress on her right now. So much to think about; but in this case; since we have been told to stay out then that is what Jerry has decided to do. I feel so sorry for him. His brothers are not showing him the respect that he has certainly earned.
Today I am grateful that Joey and Lisa seem to be happier with each other. They came by for dinner; and it was like seeing the “old Lisa”. She seemed more relaxed and really engaged in the conversation. Hope this is a good sign.
Jerry and I went out to dinner last night. Neal and Sarah went to her parents for dinner. It is still strange for me not to ask our son what his plans are; but see him more and more everyday as a grown man; and not the little boy I used to carry around on my hip. He was such a sweet child; full of fun and pranks. I really think it has been more of my reluctance to let go of the past that has kept me from taking hold of the future and celebrate all the new things in life. Bottom line; I just don’t think I was ready to give up on my youth; and hand it over to a new generation. Am I making any sense?
I got in the baking mood today; and went ahead and did two chocolate cream pies. (test run for the T day ha ha) And may I just say; they tasted great! Seal of approval all around.
I am now searching recipes for appetizers. Any good ideas that have worked for you all in the past? I was thinking of having Lisa bring her hot wing dip again; but think that would be a little heavy with all that turkey. Just something easy to munch on while we smell all the other goodies baking away.
Doctors visit went good. We had the last appointments of the day; so we got out in just an hour and a half LOL And my prayers were answered; since the phlebotomist was on duty that is good; so only two sticks. She apologized so much for it taking twice; but that is a victory where I am concerned.
Debbie, I am SO HAPPY that you feel well enough to come visit on here. That is a great Thanksgiving blessing. Now to just get Colleen to feeling better so she can enjoy her holidays. Whoo Hoo!
Glad your King Arthur flour goodies came in on time for the big day. Wish we could be there to do taste testing. I guess I burned myself out on apple recipes; although I did find what sounded like a tasty applesauce cupcake recipe. Sure bet it would be moist made with the applesauce. It had cream cheese icing on them. How can you beat that?
We have an appointment with the insurance advisor tomorrow. We have been waiting weeks for it so that is why Jerry can’t pick his Mom up at the hospital. Probably better this is how it worked out anyway.
Take care everyone. Hope you all have a wonderful week. Would you believe that I haven’t bought the first Christmas gift yet? And for some reason; it doesn’t even seem to stress me in the least. I have taken on Jerrys way of looking at things. He doesn’t even seem to realize that it is right around the corner, and he usually comes up with good ideas at the last minute; so I am just going to wait and see what tomorrow brings. Hugs to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November! The Month of Thankfulness. Let's Count Our Blessings Daily. #20739

Hello my Quacky Quacker girlfriends! Today I am grateful for a roof over our heads and a good family to love us and for us to love them. I lay awake most of the night last night. Got to thinking about Adele and her mincemeat pie and had to send her a note ha ha. I do my pie shells baking the day before Thanksgiving. One reason I love cream filled pies. I never seem to have enough oven space on the big day. Do any of you all own one of those convection ovens that sit on your counter top? Have considered buying one many times in the past. Does it help you all? My baked apples in the crockpot came out just perfect. The house smells so good. Just love the smells of Fall. We are having a simple dinner of pizza tonight. Made homemade stew yesterday and cornbread with brownies. Joey had to work last night so he had his this morning. He stops by here early in the morning after he gets off and goes straight to the fridge for his little bag of goodies we have left for him. He wrote me the sweetest note this morning. Said he didn’t know how he got so lucky to have us for his parents. He and Lisa are still together. I thought he was going to tear up the other day when he was talking to us about how hard it has been lately. You know its like he said, she sustained that head injury when she had her wreck, and he said she has never been quite the same since. He said he loves her, and wants to be with her, but that she is so easy to fly off the handle and he is very easy going and doesn’t like conflict. He broke down and told Jerry and me one day when we were asking him some questions about the things he did over in the bad part of the world when he was stationed there, and he said his troop was ambushed one day while he and his best friend were just riding along talking and he passed away in Joeys arms. Joey said he prayed to make it out and if he did he would not ever take the preciousness of life for granted again. It broke our hearts. That was the first time we ever had heard of this and I think it explains why he is trying so hard to help her and make this work for them both. Say a little prayer for them.I know he loves her; and she was going to the doctor to talk to him about these outbursts she has.
You know Gail, it is easy to get caught up in our side of an issue and not look at it from the others persons perspective. She and Neal seem happy together; and I can only imagine how hard it must be for a newly married couple, who are trying to find their own way in life, to be living with one set of parents. I certainly don’t agree with everything about how Jerry feels and I know he doesn’t me either, so how must they feel? You made a very valid point, and I am going to try to keep this in mind as we go along. I think every couple has lots of things going on in their minds that only they as a couple can really know, so I WILL try to just be myself and encourage her to be herself. Here’s hoping for us both.
Sunny and cool here today. I hope all my shot lady friends are doing better today. I agree with you, Gail, that it is really the skill of the person behind the needle that has a lot to do with your discomfort during any needle procedure. Jerry and I have to go for our doctor appointment tomorrow. I, like you, hope my favorite phlebotomist will be on duty. Jerry has these big veins, and mine are located WAY under my layers of fluff. So keep your fingers crossed for me. I breathe a sigh of relief when I see her there and cringe if I don’t.
Jerrys Mom is doing better each day. She is still in the Rehab portion of the hospital. She is to be released next week. I think she will be shocked if her son doesn’t take her to her home. Jerry is worried but he knows that the younger is doing what he feels is best. She is showing some signs of Sundowners (where they become a little confused at night time) and it really has worried Jerry, because he knows the youngest brother is trying to have her declared as having Alzheimers. Lots going on there, but I pray that things will work out for her for the best. I just feel that we don’t give our elderly parents the respect and honor they deserve sometimes. Your Mothers are so fortunate to have you all in their lives. You all are so sweet to see about them as you do. Take care, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's November! The Month of Thankfulness. Let's Count Our Blessings Daily. #20682

Adele I forgot to say that mincemeat pie is a real Thanksgiving staple here in the South. I have made a few, but my crew did not prefer them over the chocolate, and Jerry, Paq Paw and I were the only ones to finish a whole pie, and like you have said there is a lot of prep involved. My Mom made one every year though along with a pumpkin pie. Bet yours turns out good. Happy baking everyone! Barbara

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