Barbara (Smith) is the “Quacker Cop” you’ve heard Jeanne talk about for years. She’s also Jeanne’s good friend and traveling companion. Barbara will be sharing her observations and experiences in a regular feature on our website. Enjoy!
Jeanne and I are never at a loss for conversation. Our morning was spent talking about the exciting path Jeanne and Quacker Factory seem to be on. Jeanne has been working on a new project she calls "Club Harmony". She is working to connect on a more personal level with the millions of Quackers who watch her faithfully. Sharing some of her "life's experiences", her words have been an inspiration to so many. Perhaps she can lead the way, bringing “Harmony" to our mind, body and spirit.
We arrived at the airport with time before our flight. Saturday afternoons the airport is busy with vacationers on their way home after taking a cruise. On this particular day, dozens were waiting for their flights, just departing from the new "mega" ship "Oasis of the Seas". Jeanne, who was instantly recognized, became the center of attention. Some of the woman were dressed in Quacker Factory, one woman was wearing the white tee shirt with the cruise ship. It was fun talking to so many. Jeanne posed for dozens of pictures with the cruisers, as I asked questions about the ship. I wanted to know about what the "good" shows were, and what restaurants were getting rave reviews. I am going on the same cruise December 4th with Jeanne's daughter Lee, Linda Gorman from Ohio, Doreen McGovern from Massachusetts and Bill and Eve LaTulipe from Texas. We all met years ago on a Quacker Cruise....and have been great friends since. December is quickly approaching, time to start "planning" for the upcoming cruise, so I loved hearing all the information and tips.
Jeanne says "things happen for a reason"....I guess we were supposed to miss the earlier flight. We were meant to be at the airport with so many of The Oasis of the Seas cruisers. Meeting and spending time with them at the airport was so much fun, I know it was simply "meant to be".
Our time at QVC this trip was quick and easy. We arrived at the hotel near dinner time. Going directly to the pub, we spent the evening relaxing. I had decided I needed to discover a new drink. The Kaluha and Creme I have been consuming has not been too kind to my waistline. I wanted to look a little more "sophisticated", so I decided to try to acquire a taste for red wine. Well, since that night, it seems I have adjusted quite well. My new choice of a cocktail drink is a glass (or two) of Pinot Noir wine.
We both enjoyed leisure Sunday morning. Jeanne had a show that evening at 6pm. After the show, we went back to the hotel were we had a lovely dinner. I was surprised to learn by evening's end, I consumed the entire bottle I started the night before. I guess you might say I found the "acquired taste" I was looking for. The following morning we were up early, on the way to the airport by 7am. It was a quick but fun trip.
Anticipation was growing for our next September trip. Jeanne had been developing "DreamJeannesTM" for a very long time. These were extra special jeannes with an exclusive fabric blend that gives you movement and flexibility. They had a custom cut that makes them fit with extra comfort. But most important, they have Quacker Factory "sparkle and style" that nobody can match. AND every item in the " DreamJeannesTM " line has a rhinestone heart as it's "signature". Approaching was the show where " DreamJeannesTM " would be introduced to the Quackers. Luckily, QVC agreed to have a live audience show. Excitement was building, not only from Jeanne's Team, but from so many of the Quackers who were going to attend the show.
We arrived early at QVC on September 22nd. Jeanne was going to wear the " DreamJeannesTM " for the show, with everyone from her "team" joining her. (No one has seen her in jeannes since 1981) For me, this was especially exciting and memorable. As some of you know, in my "real" life, I am employed, full time, as a Detective in the West Melbourne Police Department. I work with men who are mostly in their 20's and 30's. My partner, Carlos, is 34 years old. I am built kinda straight up and down, with no waist. I have not been able to wear jeannes for longer than I can remember, probably for about 20 years. I longed to be able to wear jeannes during some of my "Police" time. The guys I worked with wore jeans every time we served a "search warrant", when we went practice shooting at the range, and always for "Dressdown Fridays". I always wore black, elastic waist, slinky type pants. Not having a waist band, daily I wore my handgun in a shoulder holster. The very first time I put on a pair of "DreamJeannesTM ", my eyes filled up with tears. I was so thrilled and excited. I was wearing jeannes just like everyone else. For some, this might be minimal. For me, this was HUGE.
Look for the video on the Quacker Factory website where Lee and I talk about the " DreamJeannesTM ".........you can see just how great they look.......
The live show was absolutely the Best! Jill Bauer was the host, and Carolyn Gracie was in the audience. I was happy to see so many Quackers, who have become dear friends over the years. When the " DreamJeannesTM " were presented, the Quacker Factory team, Angel, Kristy, Alice (our QVC assistant buyer) and I, joined models Maria, Mary and Corrine, "struttin our stuff", showing the world just how great the Jeanne's looked on so many different shapes and sizes. " DreamJeannesTM " were finally launched! Luckily, the Quackers responded, buying the jeans that had a waist band that stretched without elastic, selling out in most of the sizes. I was thrilled so many would get the opportunity to see and wear a pair of Jeannes that put "tears in my eyes".
Jeanne and I had a little time between shows, so we went back to the hotel for dinner. Sitting in the Pub, talking and laughing as only a group of Quackers can do, were some friends, who just were at the audience show including Janet, Arlene, Alicia, Carol, Amy, Robyn, Ginger, Coetta and Jeff. Such fun having time to see them all. After dinner we went back to QVC for Jeanne's 8pm show with Patti. Another fun hour. Shown for the first time was the " DreamJeannesTM " jacket, culminating a wonderful and exciting " DreamJeannesTM " day.
Exhausted after a very long day, Jeanne made it back to the hotel. I celebrated the fabulous day, toasting with my sophisticated glass of red wine. Time for bed. The 7am luggage pick up was a few hours away.......Time to head back to Florida.........Time for a nap during the flight.........Time to go home.
The month of September was fun and exciting. Looking forward to new adventures during the month of October.
Sending Love and Hugs until I am ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
(Please let me hear from you: email me at barbara@quackerfactory.com.) I love hearing from others Quackers! With Hugs and Love, Barbara (Quacker Cop)
