ASK ME!

I certainly enjoyed visiting the book clubs in Billings Montana. It was fun, entertaining, educational, and I enjoyed it immensely! If you have a book club and would like to discuss the subjects of sociopaths OR Munchausen by Proxy, feel free to contact me and we'll see if we can arrange something! I found it quite to my liking and would love to share the little bit of knowledge I've gained during the last 11 years dealing with Patty. Have a good one!
C.B.

We're Back!

Well, the Old Duffer and I had a wonderful trip to beautiful Montana. We thoroughly enjoyed the drive, the CLEAN hotel, and the shopping (yep--I spent way too much). But mostly I enjoyed meeting some fantastic people and discussing the book with them. It was fun to meet people who had read the book, but did not personally know the family. I felt a bit "scrutinized". When reading a book everyone has their own personal mental image of the characters. I have no doubt I was not what others imagined me to be. Just a plain old grandma who loves her kids and grandkids. But the conversation was lively, the company extremely pleasant, and the food at these book clubs was fantastic! Thank you so much ladies, for making my visit such a rewarding one. I hope you learned a lot, as I did--and that you'll keep reading and learning about Munchausen by Proxy! I want to extend a special great big THANK YOU to Ruth, Anthony, Eliza, Craig, and Emma for their support, hospitality, kindness, and terrific "hugs" (miss you already Eliza). Life certainly is full of adventure and we feel we just had a wonderful one! Thanks Again!
C.B.

Carole Barker Goes to Montana

After being chastized for not posting more often I'm trying to think of something to write about. Ms. Carole Barker is heading to Montana tomorrow to speak with two different book clubs. I must say that I'm getting a bit nervous as I've never done this before. One of the clubs consists of medical personnel who--by their very definition--are much smarter than C.B. I sincerely look forward to chatting with them about Munchausen by Proxy. They are in the difficult position of having to watch for signs of abuse--and it's not easily detected. Munchausen mom's play the game exceptionally well. So wish me luck, and off I go!
C.B.

Best Gammie!

It was my privilege to have the Keith Barker family here for a short visit over the weekend. On a previous visit, in an attempt to help Steven with his reading and writing, we held "school". I photo-copied penmanship pages and the kids were assigned to do their best work. For each excellent page they did, they received a quarter out of Gammie's stash. Once they did four pages, they were allowed to exchange their four quarters for a golden Sacajawea dollar. They thought that was great fun and now want to have school each time they come. I was really busy yesterday and Brooke wanted to hold school again. I told them to write a "theme" while I did my "home study"--a.k.a.--dishes. Never being one to miss an opportunity for self-aggrandizement, I assigned the topic "My Gammie is the Best". What a wonderful subject matter. The kids giggled and had fun with the assignment. But the real joy came when reading Steven's writings.

Steven's Theme:
"My Gammie is the best in my family. She makes blankets for us and she "said's" when you put your head under the blanket you'll "remeber" me. She has a big house and has a slide door for the back door. She has a flat screen. I love you "Gramda". Love Steven."

Kids remember what you teach them--especially when it's done with love! The fact that Steven still talks about making the blankets tells me that I'm on the right track! Agree?

Fun first!

Well, 69% of you were correct in the last quiz I posted. While Steven was in Florida his mother bought him a new bicycle (his 3rd this year), a new trampoline, and a Wii with TEN new games! (As my brother said . . . "In my next life can I be her little boy?@#$%?) Steven was home for a total of one week and that stuff is just sitting at the Jenkin's home collecting dust. And we're still waiting for the first child support check. It's good to know that Patty has her priorities straight. Most adults I know spend their money on toys first, and pay their bills last . . . NOT!
C.B.

W-A-C-K-Y

Patty's unpredictability is one of the hardest things for the
Barker family to deal with. You think you've got all the bases covered and she throws you a curve ball. The correct answer to the most recent poll was #1. Before returning Steven to Utah, Patty's flight schedule also included a second ticket in her name--routing from Florida and ending in Denver. What? This flight occurred at the exact same time as the original flight. So immediately our imaginations clicked into high gear as we tried to guess what she was planning. The most likely scenario was that Steven would have some type of medical emergency while in Denver--and Patty would have him admitted to the nearest emergency facility. We lined up for "battle stations". But . . . the dumb girl delivered Steven right to Utah, got back on a plane and headed straight to Florida. Go figure! Now, would any of you have anticipated that? Neither did we #$%*@!

Only 21% of you guessed correctly on the last poll. Not so easy is it? I've provided a new quiz for you to take and we'll see if you do any better with this one. Good luck!
C.B.

How Well Do You Know Our Star?

I just wanted to give you a little "heads up" that I have updated the website with facts regarding the last couple of weeks dealing with our lovely Patty. Since the story is too long and I had to leave out some of the best parts, I've provided a new poll to see if you can correctly guess which "crazy" behavior Patty actually did. You're a pretty smart bunch of readers but here again . . . how do you explain CRAZY? Thanks for your interest and support. (BTW--this poll is only for people who already don't know the story--so Barker family--BEHAVE!)
C.B.