[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #96704

Bright and sunny here today. Wish I could say our dispositions were the same. Jerry is being so ugly. Joey went with him yesterday to Lowe’s to pick up an AC thermostat to replace the one we have had for years in the house. But Jerry thinks the old one was doing ok but you know how they are when they up and decide they need something. Well anyway Joey spends two hours and then tells jerry he will come today to install it. Well Jerry calls him at 3 and at 5 he still isn’t here; so Jerry calls and tells him that he will find someone else to help him. It just hurts me when they both do this. Jerry really thinks that since Joey is right out back that he will be able to come whenever Jerry is ready. What a mess. And guess who gets caught right in the middle? I am so worried about Joey. He is finally getting his weight back a little; but he still has the occasional chest pain gastritis spells and this really worries me. The heart doctor told him after doing all the testing that his pain is caused from stress and wants him to see a phychologist. I really believe he has PTSD and then all this with Lisa. I can’t seem to help Jerry understand that his inpatience with him is not good for Joey especially right now. So please pray for our family. We just can’t seem to get it together. Sorry for all the sad story.
Adele, I want to definitely try your squash and peppers and sausage. Here is my crazy question. I am really not familiar with Italian sausages, name brands, how to cook; so if you can, will you let me know about this? Neal has prepared sausages in his crayfood ettophee (spelling?) when he would be doing this huge pot of food with shrimp, sausages, potatoes, corn, peppers all kinds of things. He knew how to prepare it but I didn’t . Just sounds so deliscious. I have done all kinds of vegetables on a baking sheet that I drizzled with olive oil and seasonings and baked. Tasted so yummy. Glad to know that Heather went to get some medicine. She was walking a thin line since she had gotten so sick. Little Aizens feet were so cute in the photo. Just love little ones.
DD you have some really beautiful Temptations pieces. I love mine. I have a fluted bowl in the Fall design that I use all year round. It is the perfect size for potato salad or fruit salad, slaw etc. Have you been hugging your friends little furry friend? That was such a sweet thing for him to think of. How hot does it get in your area during the summer? I bet not too bad. Mount Hood is beautiful. Love your pictures. Thanks for them all.
Better go for now and see if things have cooled down around here. Just makes me ill when feelings are hurt. Wish I could just wave a magic wand over and everyone would just be happy, I am so grateful for every single moment that I just cannot waste it being mad. Good wishes from me to all, Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #96678

I broke down and went to the grocery store today but just purchased the necessities. lol This has become a job and not fun anymore. You all will laugh when I tell you what we ate for dinner last night. We had gone to the local vegetable stand on he highway the day before; and I had picked up some squash, tomatoes, peaches, onions etc. so I baked some squash; warmed up leftover baked chicken, and we ate a peach each for dessert. That surely beats the cereal we ate the night before. lol We are in a slump with our meals. It is just SO hot here, and we are expecting the rain and storms to start sometime again tonight, and from what I saw on the weather report is to last off and on for several days once it starts. The poor people west of us have had so many storms and flooding. It is so sad.
DD. we had something as children that was called POP Rocks, and they would fizz and pop in your mouth. I am not sure if you were supposed to put them in water, but we didn’t and if you put too much in your mouth it would feel like your head was going to fly off. LOL We have cylinder like cans of frozen orange juice here, and Jerry always has me get it for him and reconstitute it. by adding water. Jerrys Dad used it for his juice when he lived out here with us all those years, and the boys grew up thinking their Paw Paws juice was so “fancy” and it took years for them to try brands like Tropicana after they were grown. It is sort of sweet that they loved him so much that they found his to be the best through the eyes of love.
Jerrys Mom has a cold. When visiting we noticed she was coughing and had congestion in her chest. The doctor did order her some antibiotics and some Muscinex and cough medicine. I am always so afraid when she gets sick, but she was doing some better today. She has developed more tremors but at her age it really isn’t bad. It is always in the back of my mind if mabey she has had little mini strokes, and it is pretty much impossible to tell. We just keep as close an eye as we can. Jerrys oldest brother has told Jerry that under no circumstances that he is to take their Mom out of her home. He told Jerry he is so afraid that she will start to fall and that Jerry will hurt himself trying to protect her. It hurt him; but it is true.
Little Aizen did good. I am so happy he loves his teacher.
Hope Heather and Marissa are doing better Adele. And you too. SO sorry your shoulder and back are hurting you.
Gail, how are your eyes doing? Has Brent had his ablation yet? Prayers for all.
Bye for now hope you all have a good evening. Hugs, Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-June 2019 #96541

Just dropping in and hoping this crazy computer will actually let my note come through to you all. We have had a pretty busy week. We drove about 60 or so miles up towards Nashville to meet Jerrys brother and his wife for lunch one day. The traffic was so busy and I get nervous in heavy traffic. We made the trip fine and really enjoyed our visit with them. They are so sweet and I can’t wait until we can spend time together. My SIL said that her hubby tries to do things that he is not really able to do at this stage and she worries but knows he will get mad if she says something so she just tries not to watch. lol I said well it sounds like we have a lot in common and that I guess men just have a really hard time accepting change in life. But truthfully, so do I. I took her something I got off the Q. It is one of those Barbara King sandstone globes that morph light on a timer. I have one like it on the patio since it is covered; and she called me and said she put hers on the hearth inside. She really seems to like it and I just love mine. It was a little pricey, but I got them with the six payment thing one weekend when they had this as a special. Mine is sitting right in the middle of the wrought iron table. I know our baby loved it too. When it came on right at dusk dark; he said “Ohhhh” and so you know that made me happy.
Adele; I am praying for only good news about Heathers surgery; and I am so happy she went ahead and got the surgery so they could take care of things right away. Young people are so resilient; but I know you are worried and we just can’t help but worry. But if love makes things continue to be good then I know your love for her will keep her getting better and better. I know you are so excited about Marissa’s itty bitty. I think November would be perfect for the baby shower. Has she had much morning sickness? Hope not. Is Enzzo real excited too? They have a wonderful little place for their apt. since someone will be right there should she need something if Enzo is gone. How does his Mom and Dad feel about the baby? I don’t see how anyone could not be happy. Our baby is just growing and growing. Jerry made a precious video of Colin and me dancing to the music from The Lion King. We watch it whenever we are having a “Colin” moment. lol I surely understand that old bumper sticker I used to see years ago that said “Ask me about my grandchildren” ha ha And I agree with Gail, you look WAY too young for great grandchildren. And Ms. TIllie too. Hope she is doing well. Also hope your poor shoulder is doing better.
Hope by now you have that boat all sold Gail. Your milk days pictures remind me of ones from the past you have shown us. We have been on here quite a while. This is a wonderful place to meet some special people. I am like you too. I would have been leary about letting someone take the boat off, but also like you I would have said, whatever he wants to do just go along. Things like that to me are just not worth fussing over. I think the bottom line is I am too lazy to even fuss over most things. ha ha
Sue, I think getting a special discount on something is good news. I love a bargain. I have gone up to be checked out and I ask when they ring up an item that is on special what the charge was because around here a lot of times they do not give you the discounted price, and if you don’t ask you don’t get it. I will not keep a long line of people waiting but I do want to get the advertized price. Do they do this in your area? Probably not, but it is a real problem here. We have two grocery stores in our little town. One is the Walmart and the other is a Kroger. Both stay so full unless it is too late in the evening for me to be out. I am thinking of doing the ordering online and then pick up but don’t know much about it. Do any of you use this service? Would love for you to share with me how this works. It would really help us. I just ordered from the Q a Cooler bag from California Innovations for bringing home the cold things from the store. It gets SO hot here in the summer that your car is like an oven.
Hope you are doing good Colleen. I know you have been so busy but I hope by now that things are beginning to calm down a little and you are able to get some much needed rest.
DD your pictures were wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
I know I have missed so much of your news but trying to catch up. I better go for now before this thing acts up again. Hugs to all, and take care. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker talk-May 2019 #96226

Hello friends. Hot and very muggy here. Adele, please don’t do the “I know I can do this and I will do this” thing again. We all must be really careful in the heat. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke come on quickly and keeping cool and hydrated with water is so important in the hot weather; even when you are not doing anything physical. Sometimes, in fact, most of the time, I find myself getting so frustrated that what used to be so simple is now like climbing a mountain. I get embarassed that I can’t do most things, but if I push myself then I pay for it. And Jerry is even worse. Guess it’s the man thing. But I guess mine is just not wanting to have to admit to myself or others that I am 70, and that even other 70 year old women are able to do what I am trying to do, I just can’t. We had our doctor visit yesterday, and when Jerry was talking to him about medical marijuana, and how he felt of it; he gave us his what I really think, honest opinion. He said, “I don’t have enough research information of long term use to feel safe in prescribing it right now; but I will definitely keep watching what is being said, and write you a prescription if I am more convinced it will be safe for you”. He said he is 60, and he is having a really hard time admitting to himself that he has to pace himself now, and how his life is changing. He held my hand, touched Jerry on the shoulder, and we both left feeling like he would do the best he could for us. Jerry told him adamantly that he did not want to go to any stronger meds than he is on. I think he respects Jerry for this. I am so sorry your shoulder is hurting you so badly Adelle. Please take care. I am glad that Heather is doing well. But she had a great nurse. Try to encourage her to please take things slowly. So proud of the happy baby news. I bet that Aizen and Enzo will be such good help with the baby. Mabey Aizen will be the big brother whose job is to run get the diaper/cream etc. or rinses off the baby at bath time. We gave Joey little jobs like that to help him get used to a wee one. Luna will probably be just as protective of the baby as she is of it’s Mommy. Such wonderful exciting times for you all.
Gail, Joeys dog Ruby is mostly pit bull some bulldog, and loves us and is so sweet. She was one day away from being euthanized at the shelter because of her breed no one would adopt her, but Lisa picked her out and home she came. She is such a devoted dog, and we love her and she is really not a hard puppy dog to care for. We just have to always have a halter type leash on her when we take her out during the day in case some one just drives up and we are not expecting it. We think all she would do is bark, but can’t take a chance. She lays between Jerry and I at night (Joey calls her their touch police). lol She plays with Auto Kitty, and has not ever tried to hurt him. In fact; Auto Kitty trys to get her to chase him so Ruby gets fussed at by Joey. Joey loves him so much too; and Auto has a devilish side to him lol They are great friends though. Can you imagine, a pit bull and a kitty sleeping right next to one another? We have a menagerie of furry friends here.
DD, I am so sorry about the communication mixup with Jewell. I think if the kitty you saw touched your heart then you will know what to do. It is so very hard to move forward when you are hurting, but so many many little animals need a loving home, and your little Jewell would be happy for you to find some peace and love with another fur baby. So hope you are able to make the decision that helps you and them. Will you be spending time with your friend Critt this Memorial Day? We don’t have special plans. We sort of are taking each day as it comes here lately.
Little Colin will be 3 in August. He is just the most wonderful little man. Poor Neal had only 4 days from the day he moved to Ashville until he began his new job. He will be in class for two weeks, and then he will begin his job working at the tower soon. To be honest, I really don’t understand so much of it. I know that Joey and Lisa was there while he was at work to help the movers bring in the furniture, boxes, etc. and set up their TV and things that men know about in all those electronic devices the young people have. Poor Joey and Lisa were so exhausted when they drove in late yesterday. They watched Colin for two of the days they spent there so Sarah could go doing interviews at several hospitals. To say the least; they did so much to help. We have left J and L alone today. I know they need rest. So we will plan something tomorrow.
It is pizza night for us tonight. Too hot to cook anything. Colleen, those storms have been so terrible. I hope you do have a quiet peaceful weekend. It seems that sometimes we just go and go and just need a good rest. I pray for all those affected/so happy it didn’t hurt you or your family. Take care.
So sorry Brent is having problems, physical and girlfriend. Bless his heart, he needs a break. I know you and husband worry. Our children don’t ever get to old for us not to. I pray for him to get better soon. Wish he would find someone wonderful to feel that emply spot in his heart. Brent needs someone to help him, and a good woman I think would. Just me thinking.
Sue, what is any plans do you have for the weekend? Are you getting together with friends? Hope you have some good plans. Did your rain finally stop?
Take care everyone. Thank God for all the military and their families and for those who gave their life for our freedom. Have a wonderful weekend to you all. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker talk-May 2019 #96049

Hello. I have missed SO much of your news, health, family, life. So that makes me want to read everything ,but I know I just can’t right now. We are good. Joey, Lisa, and now Sarah and COlin are in NC with Neal. Today is his 34th birthday. Their furniture should be delivered today; and thats why Joey and Lisa are there to help with the set up. The move was so expensive from coast the coast; and they had to pay $$$ lots of their savings to taxes this year. We didn’t get to see the baby at all after Neal left for NC. Sarah is still Sarah, but that is all I will say for today. I have so many precious memories from the short time we were all together and can’t wait to see them again.
Sorry about your surgery Adele. SO many things have changed from our healthcare. Think the insurance companies have a lot more influence over our health than our doctorsOur doctor told us that he had to get permission to do any test before he can order it. I am so afraid that the older we get the less they will care about us; since we don’t have all the insurance coverage we used to have. BUt that is just how I feel, and I pray I am wrong..
We are doggie sitting while Joey and Lisa are gone. So we have to put Ruby on a least and walk her several times a day. She is sweet and loving but so very protective of us, and I don’t want anyone to walk up unexpectedly on us and have her bite them. I am so scared she will hurt us by pulling us down because she is srong, but it would be just a quick reaction from her that she won’t do unless someone comes up.
I will close and try to catch up some. Please know that you are all on my mind and I have lots to share. Hope to write more later today. Hugs, Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker talk-May 2019 #95919

Well Hello to All my dear friends. I haven’t even begun to read or try to catch up on all your news. I think I am going to have to get another computer. This one takes me at least 30 minutes to be able to even sign in on our site; but there is so much to tell you all. Joey just left about an hour ago driving to Ashville to help with the move in. Neal has been there for a few days; and Sarah, baby and Lisa will be driving there tomorrow. Sarah and baby have been with her family for a week. We had a wonderful time with all the family together. Our eldest son and his wife were here for 4 days after he helped Neal drive from Ca. here. I did lots of cooking, and honestly Jerry and I were both so exhausted each night. He hurt his back right away picking up the baby, and nothing could prevent it. Colin loved him so much He wanted to sit in Jerrys lap all the time; except when he was running. lol He only had two speeds, asleep or wide open running. lol He is the love of our life. I was in the store the day that Buddy and Neal were to arrive, and I turned around and there he was standing right by me. I just lost it. Everyone at the store was crying. Buddy is 47 but he started working as a sacker at this same store when he was 16; and some of the workers there remember working with him as a young boy. Everyone was crying and it was such a wonderful surprize. Neal had gone to pick up sarah and baby. So by the time we got home he was there too. It was so wonderful to have them all here. So now it is definitely too quite. But at least he is 7 hours away and not days away.
I so hope everyone is doing well. I have really missed everyone of you. We are dog sitting for the next 7 days while Joey and Lisa will be in Ashville. Ruby is a sweet dog. She is just so protective of us that we always have to walk her on a leash. It has been so hot here with lots of thunderstorms. But I think the next few days are to be sunny. Do you have special plans for the summer? We haven’t even had time to think of anything. I know it will take some time for the family to get settled in; so don’t want to just rush up there. Will be hard not to though. Sue, did it ever stop raining up your way? I don’t think you would want the lightning and thunder we have had. Take care everyone. Missed you all so much. Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – April 2019 #95258

Gonna try again today to see if this thing will let me talk to you all. Its funny you mention the Cadbury eggs, Gail, since Joey asked me if I saw any ont eh “marked down” isle to please pick him up some lol Our children still love the candy they loved as little ones in their Easter basket. You all will think I spoiled the boys, but I still made them a big basket even when they were in high school; and Jerry called me at work one Easter morning to ask me why didn’t the bunny leave any malted milk balls this year? So he looked forward to the treats too. ha ha I said the bunny did the best he could and if I had known you Adele at the time I would have said he left them at your house! Little Aizen was so sweet thinking the picture was tampered with. These little ones are just SO smart that it amazes me. I know that Jerry and I will be blown away at how much our little fellow knows and can do. I have gone to Walmart to get some toys and a football and l little fishing pole for a child; since Neal said he difinitely wants to take him fishing out at the pond. We have one of those ATV;s so Joey has been getting it all ready for them to ride. Of course; I am nervous; but I know our boys grew up riding them and how careful Neal will be with the baby. I also got him a kite and some trucks and things for indoors. I cannot wait to put my arms around everyone; and if I can just keep Jerry from talking politics; religion; you know, we will be fine. Its fine with the boys; just the wives get offended or whatever and all I want is love and more love. Jerry listens to TV too much I think. I love comedys, cooking shows, course the Q and watch Evine for my pretty jewelry/ Gail, if you get a chance, tune in to Gems of Distinction or Galerie de Bijoux on their channel. I love their pieces.
Sue, you can’t imagine how much respect and admiration I have for ladies like you and DD who are so smart and know the answers must come from you and you face things that honestly I don’t know how well I would be able to do that . I had to make so many important decisions during my working years; but for example when I had cancer or the stroke; I look back and think how much I depended on others; especially Jerry and the boys. I literally could not shower by myself; and yet I know you all somehow know what you have to do and do it. I so hope I haven’t offended you all; I just know that sometimes you seem not to feel you have things to offer but I truly mean this; you have so much to teach us; and I appreciate it so much.
I remember that PawPaw needed hearing aides. He finally gave in after several years of asking and he also used those from the TV infomurcial. If I am remembering right; his cost us around 600 but he said he would only agree to having some if they didn’t cost over 200 so we paid the rest and sort of said they only were 200. His volume was turned at the highest level and he still couldn’t hear it. He did fine afterward.
TIllie looked pretty. And the decorations were so beautiful Adele. Do you have a date set up for your surgery yet? Prayers coming your way for you and Heather and her procedure. Your cookies look like many of mine. THe boys always said the “ugly” ones taste just as good. I have cooked so many pies that had to be scooped out but they tasted so good.
Better go for now. Hope everyone is doing well. Colleen, praying for you everyday. I hope you find a nice comfortable car that is great for you and for Ron. Its fun to get something new and you certainly deserve it. Take care everybody and enjoy your evening. Hugs Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – April 2019 #95227

Hope this thing will at least let me stay on long enough to say we are ok; Jerry better; me exhausted with more to do yet but happy is not even the right word to describe how excited I am to see everyone This thing keeps kicking me off, and yes I am having to sign in everytime too. Neals last working day was Monday, and he called us. So sorry girls that I can’t talk longer but this computer is acting as crazy as I feel. Hugs and prayers to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – April 2019 #95009

Well I was able to get a little rest last night; so am feeling much better today. Jerry is doing better too, so I got him all set up in his chair working on my vacuum cleaner for me; and I got busy getting rid of some of this “clutter” that we have. Would you believe that we have LOTS of papers and things that came from Jerrys Moms house that we are saving for her; and I spent about 4 hours just putting her things into those large plastic bins that have lids on them and labeled the bins and got them put away in a special spot for just her things in our closet. That was a job that I have needed to have done for literally years, but have just kept putting it off. So now I can really concentrate on the things to help us get ready for everyone. Lisa and Joey came by and worked upstairs in Neals room; and in their room upstairs; and we just kept out of their way. I just can’t climb those stairs anymore, and there is plenty to keep us busy downstairs. Gail, this is what we know so far; but things are changing all the time. Buds wife Stacey, Neals wife Sarah and Colin will catch a flight from Ca. around 4 the morning of the 30th. Neal and Bud will start their drive then and stop I think in Flagstaff Az. the first night then on to Oklahoma City to spend the next night, and then if able will drive on home the next day. So, if things go as planned and there are no slow downs which we all know there will always be, they should be here that Thursday or Friday. Bud and his wife have to fly back to Nevada on Sunday; so they have very limited time, but we are so happy to see them, we will love whatever time we can have. Neal and family plus Joey and Lisa will go on to North Carolina the next Friday. It is about an 8 hour drive from here. They have rented a condo for six months; to get a feel of what to do. Neal really wants the baby to have a yard to play in. I have already had a long talk with Jerry of how we just can’t get our feeling hurt if the kids make plans to do things that may not include us, since I know there is just so much time and so many people to see. I know we have missed them all so much that we will want all their time, but they are young and need time to do some things and won’t want to leave us out. Does that make any sense? Anyway, my heart is so full of love and excitement I can hardly stand it.
Sue, that surely makes me sad to hear of Gino losing his hard fought battle. Lisa Mason was always someone I enjoyed watching on the Q. She just seemed so sweet and genuine. And you could really feel the love she had for her husband. God bless them; I will say a prayer. I have been watching the Q for a long time. I remember when Jane Tracey left and was gone a couple of years and then came back part time and then full time. Do you remember Patty Reilly? I wonder where she went when she left? And I like Jackie Gonzales. In fact; I have to say that all the ones that have left I really enjoyed watching so much more than quite a few of the ones on now. But it is probably just me living in the past lol. I am so sorry that your hearing aides are so expensive. That is exactly why my FIL would not get any he said that was “robbery” and when he set his mind he would not change it. We tried to get him to let us help pay, but since he knew we just would not take any of his money for him living here he would not hear to us doing that. He was such a man of principles, and we understood, but still wanted to help. If not too personal, I was just wondering if you had an injury that caused the hearing loss or it just happened? They said my FIL’s was from loud noise and he did have an injury as well.
I think that is a great idea to have your jeweler send you some pictures of pretties to consider Gail. Speaking of jewelry I saw Judith Ripka on HSN today and she looked so different than the last time I saw her some months ago. I think she has lost a LOT of weight or something. I barely recognized her. Surely hope she is not sick that this is something she wanted. I bought a necklace from her years ago and I have kept it in the nice box it was sent in and it still looks pretty. I have a few Kenneth Lane and also from feel badly but just can’t think of his name now, but the designed from Hollywood who passed from cancer. I get them out and admire them. I have lots of brooches. Just love them. So I am a jewelry person too. Just love Kirks Folly so own them too. I was so happy to see Jennifer come back on. Guess this sort of explains why I need storage boxes. lol
DD, Jewell is so pretty. I am so happy that she is feeling better. We really worry about our little furry babies, don’t we? Love your pictures. So inspirational and so happy. Colleen, you and your family are doing so good. Sometimes I think things are so busy at times like this to make us take our minds off of our sorrow if only because we are so tired. Praying for you all.
Better go for now. Take care everyone. Hope you hear nothing but good news on your loved ones and their health. Take care all. Barbara

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