[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk September 2019 #100238

Hello everyone. Thanks so much Sue for explaining how a cruise ship feels out at sea. That has always been one of my major concerns since I have balance problems and the only time I went deep sea fishing I was so nauseated from the rocking of the boat. We have gone on pontoon boats in the lake and I do okay on that. It sounds like you have had wonderful times. I think you may be more adventurous than me. I am such a “scaredy cat”. I think I have missed some really great times, but I am such a homebody. Really interesting how the ships are rerouted. I haven’t ever been further east than Kentucky, Gail. We have been to a lot of the same areas though. I would love to go to NYC during the holiday season. It just looks so beautiful. Have you ever been to Branson Mo. during the Christmas season Colleen? I saw pictures of there and it was so beautiful too. Do you live close enough to visit there? I remember when Jeanne did a visit there one year, and lots of Quackers went. Did you go to that one Sue?
Tuesday was my 71st birthday. I think I am the “senior” one on our site. Had such a good day. All the boys called, and Colin Facetimed me and played a game with me and cars. Neal coaxed him a little and he said the whole Happy Birthday MiMi and kissed the screen. You all know that made my day. Our oldest son Buddy was in Lakeland Fla. with his job. He flys so much they send him on their jet. He said he forgets sometime what city he is in until he gets up and really wakes up. I was happy to hear that he will be going to Phoenix soon with his team to play in the Nationals Pool Tournament. So they won for NV. I think. I know that will be relaxing for him.
DD I love the pictures so much. You just make my day. The little kitties and owl are so cute. I am just so soft hearted with any animals, babies, nature, well lots of things ha ha. I have had to not watch some shows here lately since I am trying so hard to be ready to Christmas I really plan to keep things small and personal this year; but who knows. I did order from Bradford Exchange a leather braided mans bracelet with the Air Force emblem on it for our oldest son. I just got that paid off. I think Joey needs a nursing book to help him so I am checking in to that , and still thinking of Neal. For each DIL I am open for ideas, please ladies. I usually buy each one the exact same pair of pajamas just in their size of course. But I am so open for any suggestions. When the baby called me Sarah was sitting right there on the couch, never spoke to me until I said after about 5 mins. “hi Sarah, how are you?” then she said “just fine, oh yeah, happy birthday” That is why I feel sort of hypocritical when I send her a gift. But….I do believe that two wrongs don’t make a right; so I keep trying.
Hope Tillie is doing okay Adele. MawMaw shuffles too. She will be 94 in Dec. We walked around out in the garden the other day during our visit. She got tired so we cut it short. You all take care. Hope all is well in your world. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk September 2019 #100038

Really hot and humid here today. Thank God that Tillie is okay, Adele. I know that really scared all of you. So glad you had such good helpers with you and that your neighbor came too. My goodness I am always so shocked to see the bruising that a fall causes.MawMaw has tissue paper thin skin, and a bump makes a terrible bruise. Thankfully she has been doing well; some days much better than others but I understand your worries and pray that she will hold that precious itty bitty in her arms. Isn’t that a miraculous feeling when you feel those little flutters of the baby moving? The baby shower sounds like so much fun. I bet everyone will really have a wonderful time. Its planned for the end of Oct. isn’t it?
Gail, what a shame that one of the choir boys had to say ugly things and ruin the joy that Greg was having at the yearly celebrations. Glad to know that your husband went back and had such a good time. That is so special that he was in the choir as a child and is still able to share his talents with so many. I am always just amazed at anyone who is artistic, or musically talented, because I am not; and it just seems to flow out of them and is as natural as breathing. I loved your stories of the train at Christmas time and of the children. He has certainly done a lot with his charity work and I know you have been right there helping too. Sorry about your sisters doggie. You sound just like me; I cry too when someone has a loss. That was so thoughtful to get her a remembrance. Glad your eyes are doing well. I love reading so much, and I smiled at I think Adele’s comment to someone about young people not getting to enjoy the “smell” of books. Some of my books I just love to open up and take a good sniff of.
Glad your friends in NC are good Sue. I was happy to hear that storm had gone back out to sea. I wonder what the cruise lines do when one of those storms develop. Have you ever experienced rough seas on a cruise Sue? I really think I would be terrified; not to mention seasick. Do you have any issues with the motion of the ship? Or does it feel stationary as you walk around? sorry for all the questions lol
Colleen, I love a hat, but I usually wear the scarf you wrap around your head and ears and cross under your chin to keep my ears and neck warm too. They are so cute and stylish; and I do wear a good wide brimmed sunbonnet. Wish I could wear a cute hat though.
DD, your kitty sounds like quite a little playful girl. I bet you smiled when she was peeking out from behind the chair at you. Our kitty does that slide on the tile thing too. He will just take off running and his back feet can’t seem to keep up with his front feet. But most of the time he sleeps. lol Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk September 2019 #99954

Hope everyone is having a good evening. We are good. Jerry said his back is not as sore today; so hope we have turned the corner. It is hot here again. We are in the low 90’s and are to stay that way for several days they say. We cooked a pot of bean soup today; and I have a loaf of bread from the deli; and I actually overbake it a little to make it really crusty. Seems to soak up the good juice better to us but may not. lol I found a way on u tube to cook fresh corn in the microwave; so will make some too. This way you can only prepare one or two ears if that is all you need. Anyway, we went and got the oil changed in our car, stopped for chicken salad sandwiches for lunch, and so all in all we have gotten quite a bit accomplished for the two of us today. Jerry and I split the sandwich since we knew the bean soup would be so filling. Joey is coming by in a while, and Lisa will eat after she gets home this evening. She goes with the ortho group to football clinic on Friday night each week. Did I tell you all that Joey works the weekend shifts now each week and is doing classes online? So far; he seems to like it this way. We don’t ask much, but he is eating better; and seems more relaxed these days.
Neal gave us a call after he picked up Colin today. He was telling us all about Colin playing on the soccer team now and how he had made a goal. Can you imagine, just turned 3 and already on the team. lol We could just hear the pride in his voice. Colin kept saying to us, “I can run fast Paw Paw” Then he asked me if I have any “butterflies” that he has one that Neal filled in and said “comes to play” with him. Love the sweet little stories and how much he is growing and changing with each day. Neal said his cake tasted good, but stuck to the pan. He said he didn’t care about that but asked me what I do? Told him all about spraying and dusting with flour. So I think it was a success.
Glad that Ron is feeling better Colleen. Our men just have a harder time I think in taking it easy when they are sick. I just want to pull the cover over my head and stay in bed, but Jerry seems to push himself more and then get sicker. When I feel bad I am so grouchy, don’t mean to be just usually don’t even feel like talking. Or mabey I am just grouchier when I’m sick. lol It is remarkable that Greg is out and golfing and fishing after the scare you all had isn’t it Gail? Thank God they found this and were able to repair what needed to be and he is better than ever now. I know you all are so thankful.
How are your eyes doing? Do you have to go for check ups more often or just yearly? Hope everything is doing well.
Sue, praying that your friends are safe and sound in NC. Neal and his family live in Ashville, but they are safe from the storm. I have visited the outer banks of NC many times and it is so beautiful. I surely hope everyone will be safe in this storm. Poor people in the Bahamas. SUch devastation. Please let us know how things are for them.
Adele, I think the kids table idea is so good. The little ones are not interested in so much of this celebration, and they need something to keep them busy. How thoughtful. Everything sounds so wonderful.
Well, Joey is here so better go for now. Take care dear friends, will talk soon. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk September 2019 #99880

Hello to All. First news; Jerry fell. We are better but I am watching him so closely that he is mad as a hornet on top of being sore. We were walking around our yard looking up at our some trees and how the leaves are different this year; and down he goes. He had stepped into a hole that neither of us had seen; and he was walking right in front of me; so guess I would have gone down if he hadn’t. I heard a crack like sound which he swore I didn’t but I know I did. He and I had such a hard time getting him on his feet; he walks with a staff that our oldest son Buddy gave him a few Christmas’ ago made of the Yucca tree from N.M. It is as tall as Jerry and helps him balance as we walk. I have a much smaller cane stick from some kind of beautiful carved wood. They kept him overnite in the hospital; that made him even madder. Then we have had two follow up appts. and when they suggested he start using a walker for outdoor walks instead of his cane; he blew a gasket. I actually had to agree because this was truly an accident and anyone could have done this. But the main reason I have kept such a close eye on him is that when something happened in the past to him it seems he works so hard to prove he is fine that he overextends himself and does more damage. But; hopefully this was just a close call. The “crack” I heard they said was the rod in his spine. To be honest; I was so happy at that point to see all his limbs still working and no loss of feeling anywhere that I didn’t ask more.
Sounds like you all have been really busy getting all the family off on their new school year adventures and helping them to settle in to their new routines. I always wonder how the little ones accept their new teachers/friends/schedules. I am so happy Adele that little Aizen has made friends. I know you are too. I am astounded at three book reports. Just my opinion girls; but it seems to me that children are just not allowed/encouraged to just be kids; but are rushed into academics and the precious world of make believe; imagination; and “pretend like” to coin a phrase from my childhood that we used to say to our little friends, has been lost somehow in push, push, push and technology. I also love the three R’s, reading, writing, and arithmatic, and mabey in your area its a standard, but here there are no tablets with lines for learning and practicing manuscript and it seems like I was in mabey the third grade or so before I was taught cursive writing. Do you all remember that when young women were thought to be so “marketable” after graduation from HS if they took a stenography class? Do they even do that anymore? I was a first grade “runaway”. Our home was a very short distance from school, and I hid in the bathroom twice after MaMa took me inside and they told me to go on to the classroom. In all the first of the year confusion I would just walk right out. Once I got home first. lol I was so sad and didn’t want to go to school at all. I just couldn’t understand why I had to go and the teacher was so strict. In fact; I got a spanking the first week of school, not for leaving school, but for pulling another childs hair when she pushed me down during recess. So ladies; I have led a wild life ha ha.
It is so precious what little ones say isn’t it? They are just so open and honest. Of course; sometimes a little too honest. ha ha I was so excited Sunday. Neal called to ask me a cake question; since he was baking Sarah a birthday cake that day. And in the past, when the baby knows Neal is talking to us, he will start saying pretty loudly, PawPaw Paw Paw and THIS time he said MIMI want to see my new car??? I was of course, over the moon that he wanted to play with me before Jerry, and Jerry laughed at me so much later about how excited I was. Jerry said, he probably didn’t know I was here thats why he asked for you, joking with me. Sarah hasn’t ever had a cake made for her, and Neal I think is pretty set that the cake and candle celebration we always did will continue. I thought that was sweet of him.
Sue , how are you enjoying that pretty new car? I bet you are really enjoying it. Yes, I think that you Sue, and Debra, and then Gail Collen and I came on about the same time to our site. I remember you taking the cruise with Jeanne and Angel, and Angel was still a model for the Q. Seems like yesterday. I don’t know so many of the hosts now. Some of them seem sort of egotistical; but that may be just me wishing I was young, a size 4, and on vacation as much as I was required to work. Gosh, that sounds terrible doesn’t it? Sorry. But give me a friendly, down to earth host who describes the item for sale and I am fine.
Better close for now. Have missed you all. Hope everything is good. Colleen, I wish I had spent much more time talking to the older generation as I was growing up. I have so many unanswered questions. Hugs to everyone. Barbara oh forgot to say hi to DD.

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-August 2019 #99607

Gosh girls, after reading all your yummy soup, pot pie, veggie, stuffed peppers stories, and then saw the picture DD posted on pumpkin muffins (which I am definitely going to try DD) my mouth is watering lol I made a veggie soup with hamb. and lots of fresh veggies and diced tomatoes just last week. Down here we usually bake cornbread with our veggie soup and we ate so much it was shameful. That was a night when Joey and Lisa came and ate with us. I always make a lot; so they will have plenty to take home with them too. Jerry grilled out hamburgers last night and we just had chips soda and I had made two batches of blueberry muffins. Everything was so good. Jerry and I were eating muffins at 9 last night while watching a series on Netflix. The name of it is Bloodline, and Sissy Spacek and Sam Shepherd play in it. We are really enjoying it; lots of unexpected twists and turns. If you all get a chance; check it out and see if you like it. Gail, how do you make your stuffed peppers? I use ground beef and rice in mine. I love stuffed peppers. I have been getting as much fresh veg. as I can and freezing. Oh, they taste so good in the middle of winter. PawPaw and I used to can veggies; especially tomatoes. He and I did so much together. And yes, Adele Sundowners is so common as we age; especially I saw in people over say 80 or more. MawMaw has this too. Most days she is good.
I agree with you all about the 3/4 length sleeves. Mine always seem to “ride” up my arms; especially if I put on a jacket or try to push them up some. And I get hot. I like all cotton feel, but not the shrinking up when I wash them. I hang them to dry, but it usually doesn’t help. I think that why I like seersucker so much is because it;s already puckered fabric and just dries so easily by hanging it up. And it doesn’t shrink at all.
You had such a nice man to sell you the new car Sue. That is just great. It sounds like such a nice car for you. Hope you enjoy many many happy miles in it. I wish we could all find a salesman as nice as he sounds. He mush be a really good man.
I have been noticing our leaves beginning to change colors already down here too. This is way too early. So I think we are all going to be on the lookout for more “signs” that nature will be sending us.
Take care everyone. Neal is stopping by late Thursday night after driving from OK. City that day on his was back to NC. I will be so happy to see him back home safe and sound. It has ;been a long five weeks for him to be away from his little family. Is your home getting all renovated by now Colleen? I bet it looks just beautiful. Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-August 2019 #99381

We slept in until 10 this morning. I was so surprized when I looked at the clock. Jerry and I get tired so easily. What we just did would have been nothing in the past, but now, its a whole different story. THanks so much Adele for the medicine suggestion. I am surely going to look into this. Hope your consultation will be able to answer lots of questions about the surgery. My SIL went to like a months classes and phychological evaluations before hers was done. She was in her 40″s and in good health. She lost so much weight and did fine, but followed all their rules. I am like you I think lots will depend on whether what if any risk for you there would be. I do think they look at each person individually; at least they should since we all present with different needs. Good luck. You will do the right thing. You remind me of me with how you do your cooking in stages. My legs get to aching so badly when I am standing at the stove. I try so hard to do as much cutting up veggies or doing the salad, whatever before I start the main dish. And I love one pot meals. Those are my favorite. I love this time of year too for the fresh veg. and fruit. It is so hot here that it is hard to eat. I love this time of year for the good food. Sue that sounds like so much fun you had. And a yummy meal too. Glad you are feeling so good. How did you make your corn soup? I love potato soup (which we all know is Colleens speciality for her husband) lol I am actually making a veggie soup tomorrow. Just one of those that you throw everything you like in to and have some nice crunchy bread. I am baking some blueberry muffins early tomorrow (my plan anyway) You made me hungry with the corn soup.
Gail, that is a wonderful idea for the calendar. I am going to pass this along to Neal. Did I tell you al that Colin can count to 20 before he turned 3? Mabey that is not anything great, but we think he is a Rhodes Scholar lol He speaks Spanish too.
One of our neighbors has a whole flock of ducks. They are so cute and they just waddle all over their yard. I am so afaid a fox or dog will get to them, but they put them in their little pen at night and they have the cutest little house. We noticed a wild mallard was walking along with them a few days ago; so I guess she has dicided to live with them now. We have wild turkeys here too. One crossed the road in front of me not long ago. We live on the outskirts of a state park and once a few years ago in the Fall Jerry and I were in the part and we saw at least 500 wild turkey come walking out of woods in to an open field in a straight line following one another. It was absolutely amazing, and we just finally had to leave but they were still coming out as we drove away.
Guess I better go for now. Hope everyone takes care and has a good evening. Your home is going to be so pretty Colleen. I know you must be getting really excited watching it all come together. Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-August 2019 #99344

I’m BACK…….So glad to be stopping in to chat, have missed so much. We are good. I have to honestly say that we have had so much fun with our little fellow that we both just sit and reminence and look at videos and pictures made while he was here. We played so many games together; pretending to be a choo choo, hide and seek, made a necklace from a cord we fed through macaronni, you know all the silly fun let’s be 3 games. When he would begin to get tired he would crawl up in Jerrys lap and Jerry would turn on The Lion King and start rocking and off he would go and just sleep so soundly. I made one picture of him and Jerry both sound asleep in the chair. lol I thank God for all the time we had with him. Sarah was her usual self; but we just let her do her thing and didn’t respond with anything but positive things. Jerry offered to help her drive back or check her tires or oil; but she said no. They left Saturday; but honestly, we have been so exhausted that we have barely been able to move. We had our doctors appt. this afternoon, and went there, and Jerry refused to tell about his shoulder, but I am going to keep an eye on him. Since it stopped raining it is better.
Can’t even begin to say how happy I am that your doctors report was good, Sue. Thank God. I know you are so very very relieved. Happy about your new vehicle too. Isn’t it something how getting good news about our health just gives us a new lease on life and bring us a smile? That is just wonderful.
Congrats to Owen on his win Colleen! He must have been so excited. He really must be a good driver. Gosh everyones grands are really growing up fast. What are little Piper and Aliza up to these days? Hope Aizen decides he likes kindergarten Adelle. I cried when ours went off after they left for the day. I really missed them and their sweet little antics. Yes the teen years can really be a challenge. They seem to work at trying to make us feel like we don’t know anything. How sweet when they come back and let you know later how sorry they were for things said or done.
Adele, have you scheduled your surgery? If so, will you have the belly band or the gastric bypass? I know you will madke theright decision. Prayers coming your way for you all and Miss Tillie. Love how she looks in her Quacker.
Better close, getting tired. Take care everyone. Thanks for the cute pics DD. Glad you and kitty are doing well. Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-August 2019 #98951

Hope everyone is having a good Friday. Sue, please take it easy and get lots of rest. After any medical procedure any surgery even outpatient; our body really needs to get plenty of good old fashioned rest to bounce back. So glad it is behind you. Wish the driving help would have been better for you; but you are so right there is nothing like having good friends you can depend on. This just shows what a nice person you are to have folks who are so willing to help you out in time of need. Bless them for being caring people.
Adele, you do have lots to think of with all the new decisions to make. So happy your doctors are good; and caring. I know you will do your research and have your pen and paper with questions and ready to write down answers when you go in for your consultation. I have known both those who have had weight loss surgery and those who have chosen not to. I am not sure how I would decide. Prayers for you so you will know the right decision.
Colleen, so glad you all are home safe and sound. What a shock to have to deal with the pot issue at the hotel. Guess Nashville has more than country music on the menu.
I am so looking forward to seeing the baby. I already have his plans for his birthday cake. He will have a spiderman cake made by his MiMi. It will be my first, but hope it is cute for him. ‘
Better close, Joey and Lisa just stopped by. Will write more later. Hi and bye DD. lol Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-August 2019 #98768

Gail, that is a big fish. We have some really large carp in our pond that are there to keep the algea cleaned up that forms in a pond. We also have cat fish and bass and since you have the South in your background I know you have probably heard of them all. When our sons were little we used to go every evening out to the pond and the boys would toss out bread or biscuit pieces and those fish would just have that water churning and the boys would be laughing and so excited. If I had known back then that we had some dangerous snakes here I wouldn’t have let them go anywhere near, but I guess it’s really a blessing I didn’t since they enjoyed it so much. We had a collie back then and she made every step the boys would make. It wasn’t until they were grown that our older son told us about once she had jumped out ahead of where they were walking through the corn field and grabbed up a snake and killed it. She was protecting our boys I know. I think that is another reason I love our animals so much. All of us have surely had some sweet fur babies over the years haven’t we?
Sue, I was just thinking, have you by any chance checked with Medicare or the Dept. of Aging (state program) to see if they would help arrange transportation to and from the doctor or hospital for you? I know here they do this; but you have to call and ask them. Also the Social Worker through the Dr. or the hospital is supposed to arrange this for you if you tell them you have difficulty since you are single and cannot drive yourself if you are ill or have had a procedure done. I just thought about this, and can’t believe that I haven’t already passed that idea along to you. Sure hope this helps.
I do hope we get to spend some good quality time with our grandson; and as ugly as this sounds; I want him all to ourselves. I don’t want to share our time with Sarah or her parents. I so wish things were different.
Gail, do you have the Kirks Folly windchimes? They are so beautiful and I can only imagine how it must be when the sun shines through all those beautiful crystals. I best Piper really loves to see your pretty sparkly pieces. I have a wonderful pearl necklace that our oldest son bought many years ago for Jerry while he was stationed in Japan. I love it so much. I bet you have some really special pieces too.
Adele, how is your shoulder doing? Good I hope. I was so happy to see you had no rain during the reveal party so it wouldn’t be acting up. It is just a shame how pain can ruin our day. Poor Jerry hurts so badly. But he internalizes so much and he gets so grouchy and it just gets so hard to be understanding but I try. Better go for now. We are eating just fresh veggies and salmon for dinner. Have a great day, Barb

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