Barbara Smith discovered Quacker Factory and Jeanne Bice by watching QVC nearly 10 years ago. She then decided to come to the first Quacker Cruise by herself. “I brought a lot of books to read in case I got lonely or bored. Well I never read a word! Becoming a Quacker changed my life!” she said. She helped organize the ‘Cyber Ducks’, and has become a great friend to Quackers all over. Professionally, Barbara is in law enforcement, a violent crime detective. Which is why we call her ‘ the Quacker Cop’. Recently she became Jeanne’s Travelling companion to QVC. Because she lives in Florida near Jeanne, this was easy for Barbara to do. Given all her ‘life experiences’ and her unique perspective, we thought it would be interesting and fun to have her share her experiences on the road with Jeanne. Look for updates every month. Enjoy!

Hello everybody,

I remember watching Jeanne's very first show and have been a "Quacker" ever since.   I enjoyed listening to Jeanne's stories, while I shopped for the Quacker clothes that I loved wearing.   I happen to love and collect hearts, all hearts, and have made it a "mission" to have them everywhere in my life.  I especially love wearing Quacker Factory clothes that have heart designs on them.. I do believe my closet has every article of QF clothing ever madethat is embellished with hearts.  My occupation is in law enforcement working as a Detective, which sometimes seems like my entire life.  I believe wearing "hearts" gives me a "softer, gentler" appearance while working in what can be a pretty tough job.  Many years ago, some of my Quacker friends started calling me "Quacker Cop", and the name has stuck with me ever since.
 
Watching the Quacker Factory shows on QVC, I heard Jeanne talking about living in Boca Raton, Florida.  She spoke often about traveling to QVC in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Seeing so many items "sold out" and placed on "wait list", it was obvious the Quackers brought a great deal of business to QVC.  I had visions of QVC sending a private jet to transport Jeanne from Florida to Pennsylvania.  I was certain a very large "stretch" limousine picked her up at the plane, taking her to the Presidential Suite in a hotel QVC had reserved for her.  I could just envision Jeanne sitting comfortably in the big back seat, sipping champagne during the ride.  After all, Jeanne was the "Head Quack"of more than two million Quackers.  Could it be any other way?

I was lucky enough to meet Jeanne on her first Quacker Cruise in 2003.  A delightful, close friendship has developed and now I have become Jeanne's traveling companion.  So, here it is 2010.  Jeanne has continued her trips to QVC, but my visions of  "private jets", "stretch limos" and "Presidential Suites" have been shattered.  Reality revealed a much different picture.  No private jets, no stretch limousines, and definitely no Presidential Suite.   We make the Ft. Lauderdale to Philadelphia trip just like everyone else.  We too experience the long lines, crowded flights and heavy traffic.    

Most of the trips are done in three days.  Flying up the first day, going to QVC the second, and then making the trip back to Florida,  This has been a very cold, snowy winter in Philadelphia.  During one trip a few weeks ago, our Florida bodies went into shock getting off the plane in 6 degree temperatures.  Many flights become hours longer with de-icing and delays.  But the real fun making the trips is getting the opportunity to meet so many other Quackers.  Sometimes I hear "is that really her?" as people see Jeanne.  Sometimes they just look and smile.  It's really great when they approach Jeanne and say "hi".  So many have such interesting stories.  It is wonderful watching the excitement when Quackers have the opportunity to talk to her.  

I want to give you a view of some of the happenings with Jeanne and the trips to QVC.  As a "Quacker", I hope to share a special insight through my eyes, cause I am a "Quacker", just like you.   There is so much going on and I have the opportunity to share it all with my Quacker Factory friends.  So, you will get the "scoop" first hand when we are "ON THE ROAD AGAIN".