[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-July 2019 #97593

Just love all the patriotic pictures. This has always been a special time of year for us. When we were younger; we would always have these large family cook outs; loads of food; games, jokes, card playing, children of all ages; wonderful memories. Sarahs parents are visiting right now; and Neal will be going back to Oklahoma the end of this month for another 4 weeks of training. He will not be in NC for Colins 3rd birthday; but I imagine they will be celebrating when Neal gets back home. Colin goes to “Preschool” when they are both at work. We miss them. There are just so many reasons that I wish I had more influence over but don’t so I just hope we can see the baby soon. Jerry makes me so nervous when we drive that busy interstate, and it is probably more me than him; so I guess I will leave it at that.
So glad Brent got a good report from the doctor Gail. Now he can concentrate on the other. And what a great thing that the Pred. had good effects on your shoulder too Adele. Woo hoo love hearing good things about health. We love that kind of news. How is the mommie to be and itty bitty feeling? Gosh, this is such an exciting time for everyone. I have always thought the little belly was so beautiful, and I think of how we used to “hide” our baby bumps under those large maternity tops and now the young ones wear clothing that is form fitting. How times have changed.
Gail, I did have to buy the Kirks bracelet of the 12 days of Christmas. I thought it was so pretty. I bet you are looking forward to gem day. Do you have any opal pieces? I don’t but am really likeing the stone and how it shows so many different colors. I bet you find something special that day.
I too am happy that DD has her a beautiful new baby. DD will continue being a wonderful kitty mom and her love will just keep making a kittty happy and loved. Bet they are busy getting to know one another.
Colleen, it sounds like you all had a wonderful time with the grands. I bet it is just too quiet at your home now. Have you caught up on your rest yet? Jerry and I fall asleep just watching TV. We are just fireballs of energy down here. ha ha But you all are making such wonderful memories for your girls and their children. That is so special.
Sue, I didn’t know that about Angels dad. I will remember her and her family in prayers. That is so sad.
Jerry and I just found out that Joey and Lisa are going to some friend of Lisa’s on the 4th for a cook out. It has been storming here everyday; sort of like Florida weather with a daily thunderstorm; so no one here to eat with us. So not really sure what we will do. Take care all, Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #97459

Another hot one here today, and expecting thunderstorms late tonight. Jerry is on his computer reading me all kinds of things about gutter helmets, some kind of ratchet whatever that is and I guess you could say, I am not paying much attention. He has good intentions, but I am about as interested in spending more money on this house (unless heaven forbid something goes caput) as I am just burning money. I know if we ever go to sell our home that we will have to do things; because our home is over 30 years old, and people just don’t want decades old fixtures, sinks, faucets, etc. but unless necessary I don’t want to do it now. I found some old photos yesterday, and realized that we have the same sofa and lots of other things. But it looks okay. Things are so different than I thought they would be at this point. But I know they are for most of us.
I am so happy your Gnome arrived Adele. He can join right in with the ducks and bunnies. At a house around the corner lives an older couple and they must watch their grands because we see little ones there with them all the time. Well, they have real ducks, and they just waddle around the yard, and they have a duck crossing sign by the road and they will waddle across the road and go visit this little dog across the road. I am always afraid someone will not see them, but so far I think they have been ok. They have their own little house and it is fenced in so I am sure they are safe at night, but they are so cute. One of our neighbours also literally rescues pigs, and she was featured in a magazine and on TV here recently. She is a vegetarian, and an animal rights activist. I went by one day and there were about 15 little bitty pigs just running behind their mama. I stopped and let the lady know they were loose, and one of the little pigs just came running to me and wanted to be petted . It was so cute. I told Jerry when I got home, and he said PLEASE say you didn’t bring one home! I said no, but I was so wanting too. It was darling. I bet you have seen little pigs, Colleen. I know your grands would love to play with them. That was a great idea to get a pool for them.
Gail, jerry and I still do our reading at night, but we got lazy. We now do audible for about 30 minutes or so. I was having trouble seeing the words, and it was just putting him to sleep. But so far we are managing to stay awake with this. We also play a game of Solataire on my I Pad each night. He finishes my moves if I don’t make it quickly enough, and that leads to a discussion about impatience, but we both enjoy it. Now, I cannot honestly say that one if not both of us don’t fall asleep in our chair at night watching something on TV. lol Thanks for the heads up on the Q schedule. You know, this sounds so petty, but I do miss some of the hosts that are gone, and some of the ones on now just grate on me. They just seem to think they are so pretty, skinny, dare I say “hot”, I know I am being petty, so just look over me. I really don’t care if they wear an extra extra extra small. So Adele, wear your stars with pride. One of my DILs sent me some leggings from that brand they sell from I think their home or mabey online, and I literally squeezed myself in, wore one of my long tunic tops and went right on and the only reason I took them off was due to cutting off my breath and hurting my waist (or where I think a waist is). And if Caroline G is a XL so am I. She seems so nice, and I sound so awful. Rant over. Sorry
DD, I am so happy for you and even happier for the lucky lady coming into your loving home. Can’t wait for you all to begin your time together.
Better go for now. I will try to act better next time. Have a great evening. Pizza for us tonight. Yea hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #97409

Adele, I think you should head up the panel presenting the questions for the debate, and we could all get some answers; especially in your frame of mind today. lol I was just sitting here watching David present Bio Cleaner and “debating” whether I should order or not. Looks like a product I really need, BUT here’s the downer, I will have to WORK if I do. Decisions, decisions. But I do have good intentions. I forget, does that count anymore? I have been in a weird mood for years, but not really worried, and I don’t think I can use any medication for my reason. SO at least you have an excuse. Mabey next time you should think about hanging a warning woman on Prednisone sign instead of your wreath. ha ha Here’s my P. story. I had to take really BIG doses during the radiation, and my dear health team didn’t explain WHY I shouldn’t wash my face, they just casually said not to. So since I always washed my face before bed after two weeks I did; only to discover all the top layer of my face came off on my washcloth. Moral to this story is radiation and washing do not mix. Hopefully things have changed by now on that.
Here’s a Neal story. I ordered the Traveling Gnome several years ago when the Q had the one they use for the Travelocity commercials. He is full size and identical. Well, I gave him to neal and he used to take him on vacation with him and always make a picture of him and the Gnome in the vacation photo. Neal had it for a joke when he and Sarah got married on the beach in Destin Fla. and the night of their honeymoon, Neal told us Sarah said the Gnome had to spend the night on the balcony; that this vacation was “R rated” ha ha They have a photo of them and the gnome on the beach while they were there. I thought it was a cute story. He stays home with the old folks now. I think I need to bring him down and mabey Jerry will get the idea.
It is still so hot and humid down South. But no storms for the last couple of days. Hope everyone is having good weather. It is usually very hot for the 4th of July.I worry so much about people not watching their children for the fireworks; since so many people do them in this area even though you are not supposed to, only the ones that are planned programs. I bet you all have some really beautiful firework shows in your areas. The children just love all the bright lights and noise.
I went with Jerry to visit my MIL today and I noticed that she is having episodes of twitching. I called attention of it to the nurse and it looks to me like a neurological disorder like Parkinsons or possibly the side effect of one of her meds, which is what I am hoping for and not something bad. But it is definitely something new, and we will stay on top of it. She acted just fine before today. So we will see.
Better close for now, getting late. Everyone stay well, and take care. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #97375

Goodness Adele, hope your gout is doing lots better and the Prednisone is not being too hard on you. I know those side effects can be hard to handle, but mabey it will help your should er too. That gout is so painful. Jerrys Dad had it and when he had a flare up I felt so sorry for him. Are you able to wear your shoes? We kept a pair of house slippers for him with the big toe section cut out since he told us any weight on his toe really hurt him. I was really interested in your story about the solar panels. We have a “solar farm” located about 50 miles away; where the state is spending our tax dollars on. So far; we don’t have it offered in our area, but I would love to have it. I am so glad it works so well for you all. Do you all use coal to heat your homes? If so, how does that work? If it’s complicated don’t worry. I was just curious lol
Gail, I bet you all do miss the puppies now. I know when we kept Ruby while Joey and Lisa were in Ca. we got so used to taking her for a walk twice a day, and our little nightly routine of her getting a treat and Auto Kitty getting his treat. Auto Kitty was pretty jealous of any attention that we gave Ruby and he would sit in his QVC box on the sofa and just stare at me with his ears back. It was so funny. Ruby would play with him, and he loved chasing her and then she would turn and chase him. She was so gentle though, and we didn’t have to worry about her hurting Auto. And then when they came topick her up it was SO quiet and we really missed her. When she comes up to visit now she puts her front foot up on my chair like we did, and I help her to sit with me.
I am like all of you, I don’t like to watch shows that show dangerous acts. I just don’t think it should be on there live where someone could be hurt or worse. It concerns me that there are people who “enjoy” seeing that. Jerry really likes to watch the old shows and movies. He was watching Tarzan just a few days ago; and then later he and I watched “The African Queen” with Katherine Hepburn. Just love it. And our Christmas traditon is “Its a Wonderful Life” each Year.
How nice of you to send that beautiful poem to DD, Sue. We have all been there, haven’t we? and we all know how very hard it is. But the special love and place our little friends make in our hearts makes it all worth it.
Glad you had a good anniversary Gail. The restaurant sounds so good. Love a great place like that . Hope your luck is better than our last visit to the casino. We had a good time, but it just makes me feel so grumpy when I lose, and that seems to be all we do. But I do like to go.
Better close for now. It is breakfast for dinner tonight. Our big decision is scrambled or over easy lol We have almost too much excitment. By the way, our little Colin is more precious than words can say. And Jerrys Mom is doing better. Her antibiotics did well, and Jerry laid down the law to them when they tried to raise her monthly bill due to her ” dementia” Jerry told them my Mom is exactly the way she was when she came to live here 3 years ago, and you all are just changing who owns this place and want to raise rates, and we are not just going to sit here and let you do it. I was proud of him for standing up for his mom because he was right. She does good, and is a very good resident for them. If Jerry had a better back his mom would be living with us, and he told them so.
Take care everyone, and have a good evening, Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #97239

Happy Friday to All. Very hot and humid down South today. We had a busy afternoon. We drove into town, went to pick up our prescriptions, Jerrys moms pull up depends, her meds, got her personal care items all stocked up, went to the bank, paid the electric bill, (ours in awful in the summer, Gail, because of the AC but we have to have it) went to UPS to send off a box of goodies to Colin, got a few things at the store to do a beef roast and veggies on Sunday, got our dinner to bring home from a local Mexican resturant and finally headed back home. Oh, I forgot, we went to the YMCA (no Village People singing there) and talked with them about our starting swimming and that went well. They recommended the Silver Sneakers program due to our ages being over 60, so I am really in hope that Jerry will start to go with me. I think that is the only way he will go will be if I go; so I came home and found my Denim and Co. swimsuit and poor Jerry can’t fit into his old suit; so I am just going to get him one at Walmart. He has gained so much and I am just big and have been for years, but I just don’t care at this point. Hope this will help both of us.
I am glad that Brents ablation is behind him. I am praying this procedure will really help with his heart arrhythmias. He has gone through so much, and now I am sure his doctor will monitor him closely and keep him going in the right direction. Prayers coming for you all Gail. I know being away from him when he is not well is so hard and worries you all but he is smart and you all will encourage him and keep him moving in the right direction. Has he made any good friends while he has been in NM? Young people are so smart they just amaze me. I think I have such a hard time realizing that our young ones are not my babies anymore, but intellegent productive adults. So glad Greg is doing better too. I love good news.
Adele, your Mom is just beautiful. I have the exact same shirt. I love it. I just wouldn’t wear stripes until I finally broke down and bought one from Quacker. I don’t think it makes me look any better, but I really believe it is Jeannes placement of the stripes. Your turkeys were so cute. So were all the little French Bulldogs, Gail. I have often thought of having one. They look like little snuggle bunnies.
DD, I ssaw on the weather that it is really cool out your way. Do you all even have air conditioners? I know our son when he lived in northern Ca. said they didn’t and they didn’t need one.
For some reason, ladies, my font on this has suddenly gone to tiny tiny so I am going to close. Take care all, and hope this thing quits whatever it is doing. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #97123

Really hot down South today. Rain clouds up there and the humidity is awful. Tried to go out on the patio for a while (I had bought one of those recliner chairs from the Q) and wanted to go read a magazine, but it was like a sauna with bugs that bite. I love to sit out there if its not like it was today. Jerry over the years really did plant so many beautiful trees, and so many of them have grown so large now that it does give us good shade and such beautiful colors on the leaves in the Fall. Does little Aizen still have his tree Adele? Has he gotten too big to be interested in it? So sorry you have been having so much pain. I know how hard it is not to be discouraged when you are hurting from doing what others just take for granted. I know I have gotten a real appreciation for being able to do simple tasks from start to finish and still have the strength to do a little something else. Jerrys brother is really encouraging Jerry to join the Y for exercising and Jerry wants to but is concerned that he won’t be able to do more than the swimming he does now. I use the word swimming lightly; since we really just bounce around like a couple of beach balls, but I think anything we do is good for us. His brother has diverticulitis, cataracts, but does do a lot of exercise at the Y. He means well, but just can’t relate to Jerrys back problem.
We had a turkey cross the road in front of us today. He just went strolling across the road and Jerry said “now we have to figure out why the turkey crossed the road too” lol I didn’t know you would have a snake problem in your area Sue. Those are dangerous ones too. Our son that lives in Nevada has the rattlesnake problem and said he always warns his wife and daughter not to walk along at night without shining their phone lights on the path since they get on the warm concrete. Scary. That is the worst thing for me living out here in the country. We are in a very rural area; even though our road has a home about every few hundred feet, but then our lands spread out and behind us. Most of us have lived here for years. We watched our children grow up and are now watching their children grow up. One of our neighbors has 9 sons and all have children, the least is 3. Every time we run in to each other at the store, she has the picture of a new baby lol And yes she drives a van.
Colleen, sounds like you are going to have loads of fun with the new pool. I bet Ron gets out there and helps once the children ask him too. That was great advice on a cheaper way to keep the pool water clean. I never knew about that, but it surely makes sense. If I had a pool, we would have more dogs than children in it. All of our puppies love to swim in the pond. The Bloodhound just goes around paddling his big paws and drinking pond water as he swims. He is like a big big baby. He just loves to be petted, and he is like every story you may have heard about how lazy and slow moving they are. That is, unless he sees a squirrel. Then he stands up against the tree and throws that head back and howls and howls. His name is Bandit; since Lisa said if he didnt belong to them he would be hunting down criminals. She and Joey both love animals. She just cried and cried when she had to find a home for her chickens because of the fox. How are you guinies Colleen? Do you still have them? Do they lay eggs that you can eat or not? Enjoy your family. You deserve some fun times.
Did anyone ever say what Jill Bauer would be doing now? I like to listen to Leah Williams, and Mary Beth Roe. I do have to say that I get kind of tired of hearing about Jane T. talking about her ballet days and her bunions, but just mute it sometimes when I am in a bad mood. ha ha I did buy two really pretty Quacker shirts today. It came in a set of two, on Rachels show, and I got the Orchil and Espresso. Such beautiful colors and I don’t have anything in them. Quacker clothing just last and I know this will too. Angel does such a good job to me. She seems so sweet and I bet she is isn’t she Sue?
Better close, Hope you got some good news from the doctor Gail. Glad you were able to get financing on your dental work too Adele. It is SO expensive to have dental work done, and we had to chose the financing too. Take care all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #97092

Hello everyone. We had a good time when Joey and Lisa came up yesterday for Fathers Day with Jerry. Jerry was in a good mood and we all laughed and talked about a lot of good times we have had together. It really made me feel good to see everyone together, relaxed and having fun together. Lisa had just called her Dad before they got here; so she was happy. Her father is in his late 80’s, and her mother is 65 I think. She las a history of longevity in her family; since both her grand and great grandfather lived past 100. Her mother was diagnosed about 3 years ago with diabetes so she began to watch her diet very carefully lost quite a bit of weight and is able to manage her blood sugar without the use of insulin. She has done really well. We met so many of her family during that awful time when we almost lost Lisa after ther car accident several years ago, and there was so much worry and stress during that time that none of us really gave one another a fair chance to come together as we should have. I know some of you remember. But they were all very nice to Joey during the wedding, and it was lovely from everything we were told and pictures we saw. I try so hard to get Joey to share with me what is causing him to be so stressed; because I really feel just opening up helps to make us feel better. I will keep on saying “we are here for you son” hoping he will say. I think the loss of the baby is still so painful for them both.
Gail, I hope that your husband is feeling better. I know you are worried. But it could be B12 deficiency because I know that really makes you so tired. It might also be his thyroid. So will pray it is something that can easily be managed. He is a really busy man, and it sounds like he hasn’t really slowed down too much as time has gone by. Jerry and I were just talking the other day of how much we didn’t realize when we were at our sons ages of how much energy we used up just in one days time, and we both agreed that we see our sons busy everyday and their run run run everywhere. Reminds me of the Gordon Lightfoot song, “Cats in the Cradle” Do you all remember it? Are you puppy sitting all week? Ruby came up yesterday too. She loves to sit in my lap, and she weighs about 60 pounds, but she is so gentle and puts one foot up at a time and we make it that way. Joey helps her.
Auto Kitty wanted me to tell you that he knows you will know when the right time to bring another snuggle fur baby into your life, DD, and that all kitty mommies feel sad when they have to face hurtful times. So we are thinking of you.
I have been watching Best Baker in America for a few weeks. Just love it. Can’t wait for the new Childrens Baking show that starts soon. They just amaze me, both children and adults, how talented they are. By the way, Adele, I made the sauage and veggies recipe. It was SO good. And picky Mr. S loved it too. Of course; he said at first before he tasted, “what are you trying now?” and then when he started eating he ate for quite a while before saying “this is really really good” So it was a big hit here. Thank you so much.
No more trembles from the ground has there been, Sue? That is so scary. I was in an earthquake once, and boy, was I ever scared. Do you ever miss your job? How long has it been now since you retired? I know I was happy when I walked out that door the last time, but as time passed there were things I missed about my day to day routine. And I found that there were times I didn’t know what to do with actual free time. Do you by any chance live close to the shore? I always thought that would be so calming and beautiful to live close to the beach.
Little one is almost been able to master “potty training” . Woo Hoo. Neal was so proud to show him in his “big boy” undies. Jerry and I watch little videos of him when we get lonesome for him.
Take care all. Hope everyone is doing well. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #97010

Hello everyone, hope you all are having a good weekend. I made dinner last night while Joey was mowing with the tractor all around the back land, and before Lisa got in from work; so they had a warm dinner to take home and relax to. I remember how tired I would be on Friday evenings, and since I knew he would already be here working for several hours before she got home; thought that would be nice for them both. I am still concerned that Joey is so thin, but am grateful to know that the cardiologist says it is stress related, and that he needs not to worry and he needs to rest. But then I think how awful that he is so young and feels so much pressure that he is sick from it. I pray everyday that we will say and do what will help him and Lisa. I will always feel the loss of the baby still tugs at them both.
I was kicked off our site twice already as I was typing; so don’t know if it is me or just the site. Probably something I am doing wrong. ha ha Jerry is up front watching “The African Queen” movie from ages ago with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. It is such a good movie. He has the TV so loud that I can hear it all the way back in our bedroom. He is checking into going swimming at the YMCA in town. We have that Silver Sneakers program through our supplemental insurance, and I hope he gets approved so I can go too. I would be thrilled beyound words if it would help his back. He has gained quite a bit of weight and I know if he could just get some exercise it would help. I know inactivity is not good for us. He does take two cans of soup and lift them up over his head twenty times twice a day while sitting in his chair. We were able to repair it with Joeys help. I am glad to know about the lifetime warranty now. Jerry is so impatient. But now he knows, thanks to you all.
Gail, if you can, watch Downton Abbey. I think it is fabulous. I know what you mean saying you have so much you want to watch or read. That is my problem too. By the way; so far so good on my little plant. But is it knew my track record it would have said leave me at the nursery.
I so agree with you all about giving Neal and Sarah time to settle in to their new surroundings. I feel like since Ashville is such a resort area that people may visit them TOO much to go see the sights there. We had already thought about staying in a B%B so they and we would have needed privacy. I feel so much better having them close to home.
I am so happy the baby is due on your birthday Adele. That is so sweet. Here’s hoping …….
Love your pictures DD. It sounds like you are really getting some warm weather too. We have to run our AC most of the time here now. Our humidity is just terrible. SUe, I would have been so scared during that earthquake. Have you had them before?
Take care everyone, and hope all the Fathers in your life enjoy their day tomorrow. Hugs to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #96875

Hope everyone is having a good evening and that you Adele have your safety straps attached to the ceiling before you and Paws retire for the evening lol I tell you that was a much needed laugh you gave me and I read it to Jerry and asked “does this sound familiar?” He just gave me that look ha ha I think all of us have a similiar story to tell. I love to be able to laugh. It makes me feel better. I had my nights mixed up too on AGT. I have stopped watching The Voice. Can’t even say way. I am watching a series on I think Netflix called Downton Abbey. I love it. Have any of you all seen it?
I am SO out of the cooking phase right now. It is just too hot here to turn on an oven and I can’t seem to remember to get everything together for a simple crock pot meal. I am definitely going to try your peppers and veggies recipe though Adele. It sounds just yummy. I sent it on to Neal too; since I know he does the cooking for his family and he used to grill sausages that he would have shipped in from Louisiana. He would also do low country boils with the sausages and corn on the cob, potatoes and some other things I can’t remember, all in a huge pot on the patio and would invite lots of young people over. They spead out newspapers on the patio table and dumped everything in the center and went to eating. Oh, yes, I forgot it had lots of crawfish in there too! Main ingredient I think. lol I miss the noise and comings and goings of all the young ones. We talked to Neal for a minute today on his way home from work. He is doing well at the new airport. He has to pick up another certification and then will be sent back to Oklahoma City for two weeks of training there to obtain another certification. He hasn’t really had much of a chance to explore their new surroundings yet. Sarah is very disappointed. She was making such a high salary in California, and they do not pay nearly as much there. But she also doesn’t want to work in a hospital setting, and that makes a big difference. I tried to encourage Neal that the cost of living is so different, but of course since being around Ashville is a resort and their rent is expensive. We told him we would love to come visit as soon as they have had a chance to settle in and to let us know when they are ready for a little company, but I just didn’t feel he was “in the mood” to talk much about it tonight. He had ordered some take out while talking with us; so I know what dinner was tonight. I am torn between just going on and staying in a B&B and visiting and not wanting to rush them into having more visitors. Oh what I would give to know what is the right thing to do.
Jerrys Lazy Boy recliner has broken; so it is sitting in the middle of our family room upside down. We have had it about 4 years and it is the one chair that he is most comfortable in. I am all for just getting a new one; but he is insistent that he can repair it. I know he can, but just don’t want him to hurt his back more bending to fix it. I was really shocked to see pressed wood used all under the chair. It was a rather expensive leather big chair; and he said that it should have been made with solid wood for the bolts to be attached to. I am just so grateful that it didn’t fall apart with him in it. He does flop when he sits down, and I hope we can get it repaired soon. If not; I know what he will be getting for Fathers Day.
Better close for now. I broke down and ordered another plant Gail from the Q. I had sworn never again, but I got a small butterfly bush that is patio size and you plant in a container. So far; so good, but everything I have tried in the past just didn’t make it. And sometimes they sent me things that were not what I had ordered or dry plants with the leaves falling off. ha haTake care everyone. DD, you decide when you want another little furry friend. There are so many out there that need a loving fur mama to love. Goodnight all, Barbara

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