P. S.

Just had to come back and brag a bit. I got up at 6:oo and baked Pumpkin Bread for my Coffee Club that meets before exercise class. Good group-I call them the Round Table- They like my baking as did the group at Church did.

Dot

YEAR ENDING

I guess everyone has been so busy and no time to blog. Or--nothing of importance to blog? Of course the New Year is coming fast. What a year 2011 has been --so many changes. The Lord has put so many people in my path to share and help me each moment--people who have helped me so much. I have grown in faith and endurance that I would never thought of. Closer to God and to my family in so many ways. I am a better person. Enough of that. We are having a great New Year's Eve party here. Guaranteed to be in bed by 9:00. No just kidding; but I will be in bed by 10:30. Truman and I could barely s tay awake to kiss at midnight. Now my wish for the New Year? SELL THAT HOUSE11111111
Sweetly Be
Betty Boop

TURKEY % DRESSING

We had so much good food and wonderful fellowship. It was good to go to church on Christmas day. So much of my family there made it special. I had St. Catherines to bake our turkey and make a pan of dressing and I was pleased with it. We sat around Jan's long table and talked about how Truman loved the long tables where everyone could sit together - he was very positive about that. So we would haul out every table (even picnic } we could find and make it happen. Good sweet memories are good to have and that is why I always encourage everyone to make there own {for later. Now on to the New Year and I wonder what it will bring? Whatever-I know it will be alright.
Betty Boop

WONDERFUL DAY

It was hard to focus on the reason for Christmas when a piece was missing. But with everyone missing Truman, we know where he spent Christmas this year. I know ne would want me to be happy and not sad. I tried
and I think I did a pretty good job. Dinner was perfect and Jan and Amy and all grandaughters are such good cooks and everything was so good. Missed little ones making joyful noise. We had a whole row of Ellis decendsents at church. That made me very happy. Ashley, Bryan and Jan are going to have lunch here today. Will be fun to show them around since they have not had a chance to see my new home.
Sweetly Be
Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT !!!!

To say "Christmas Eve Gift to someone before they say it to you, on Christmas Eve is a tradition we have in our family {and other families too} So I am saying it to you before you get to me. This internet is good for something after all. Going to Jan's with a lot of the family tonight and we will have the traditional fried chicken==started by my mother long ago and we like fried chicken so we keep it going

More later Sweetly Be
Betty Boop.

CHOIR SINGS

Our choir sang here last night. A mixture of fun(you would probably call it silly] and traditional music and a little acting {again silly} But we had fun and really worked hard. I like my choir feiends. I have friends for every group thing I do. Still can't believe this place. Truman would have loved it. I can just see him being a part of everything. and helping run the show so to speak. I am doing good at remembering names but I bet he would have known them all by now and aslo something about each one. It was a talent he had and he loved people. I am getting that way too. All good. I stilldo not like the nights and am working on making that better by reading a lot and just trying to change my thoughts. You know that thoughts create emotions? True.

Betty Boop

RAIN TODAY

I am glad that I do not have to get out today. Thank the Lord because I slept all night for the last two nights. Not my usual thing to do, but I will take it. Whitney, I wish this for you too. Soon I hope. We have such top notch intertainment here. The last two days some wonderful music programs. Open house today with 6 different people opening their apartments for us to see their Christmas decorations. Two in the houses and rest here . I thought about doing it too but backed out to see really what it is all about. My stuff is pretty to me but to someone else and filled with memories and you know how I feel about memories. More food afterwards. I am gaining weight I think. Amy, Cary. and M. G. had lunch with me yesterday. Everyong thinks I am lucky and I know I am.

Sweetly Be
BETTY BOOP

TOP OF DOM party

Two busses made three trips t0 St Dominic's top floor where the Dominican sisters have exc. offices. Very plush and impressive it is. Decorate beautiful for Christmas and nuns everywhere. They live in a seperate building close by. The food was good and beautiful. Hot chocolate (which is a tradition with them} and you thought it was wine. I did too but no wine in sight. It was a beautiful view of the city and as it was dark early { I went on the first group} it was a great thing to see. Of course I have been on top in many big cities but nothing like your own home town. Everyone was dressed in their best, some dripping with furs and jewelry and feeling very Christmasy. It made me a little sad too. Truman and I had so many parties at Christma to go too. It was lonley by myself yet with many new friends. I will make it and realize this is my life and place now. Thani you Lord.

Betty Boop

BUSY

I am about caught up with making angels!! I guess I have mad 45-50 and everyone loves them. Now instead of the tissue flower lady I am the Angel lady==sounds nice? I will tell you about an event I am going to tomorrow evening later--called TOP-O-DOM PARTY.

BETTY BOOP

ADVENT

Sunday at Broadmeadow Amy. Shopie(reading}, M. G. and I lit the candel on the Advent wreath. Actually I just stood with them. They did a beautiful job with this touching ceremony. I like tradition and this is one I always remember. Everyone is getting ready and time is flying.

Merry Christmas everyone
Betty Boop

CALL ME WIERD

This has happened once before but still funny. (wierd me) while in one stall in the public bathroom downstairs, a lady was talking on her cell phone really taking care of business. I hope I never see her face because I woiuld have to laugh--when I think she is really taking care of business. {she was in the next stall} Well am out of angels, I guess I have made 30 or more and I still need some more. What fun

Betty Boop

Brrrrrrrr Cold

Dont't laugh you folks from Tn and Boston. We got excited yesterday when between 8 a.m and 8:05 a.m. we saw snow flurries. !!!!! Before I could call anyone and say LOOK, it stopped. O well maybe later. Things are busy around here. Little angels made from coffee filters are flying up and down ours halls and stopping at some lucky doors. I WONDER who set them free? I just know that the angel factory is keeping be busy. Such joy and smiles they are bringing. lITTLE THINGS DO COUNT.

BETTY BOOP

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christmas is everywhere. I have attended so many nice events but the best so far has been at our Church. Rev, Rob sang a solo that blew us all away . The choir (with Sophie} was really good and many other things at St Catherines' have been so good. Still more to come. I am trying to enjoy and not feel too sad. Sometimes I can hardley stand it. I miss him so. It is finally cold today --more like it!!!!

Betty Boop
P.S. I could not stand not to being busy making some gifts to give my new friends, I am making angels from coffee filters. So cute and totally useless.

GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS

Yesterday Amy and I went to Wall
Mart and I bought a 4ft pre-lit Christmas tree. I also bought pre-lit garland to go on my balcony. Can not let everyone get ahead of me out here. It all looks so pretty. I saved some favorites to decorate the tree and I will not have to clean fallen needles any more. It is all so unreal and new to be doing this alone but Truman always went with me to buy a live Christmas tree but left the decorating to me So that is the same. Lots of activities our here and some really nice events. They do such a good job with that. I am trying to enjoy new friends and all there is to offer and I think I am doing O. K. MaMaw

DECK THE HALLS

Or in my case deck the apartment entrance from the hall. Oh thank you Amy-without you I would look like evey one

else. But you are special. Getting out the old decorations with the old $1.35 Santa from long ago was sweet. I love him. He sits at the door along with some other old relics and some decorations from many other countries that I havc collected. Threw much away when I moved. I will put a pre-lit small tree and some lights for my balcony Can't let the other folks here get ahead of me. I am playing my new Christmas album of MICHAEL BUBLE'. It is good and of course Elvis makes me cry. with I'LL HAVE A BLUE BLUE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU, I'll make it Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS IS-A-COMING!!!!!!!

Christmas is coming around here for sure. All our halls are "decked" with beautiful decorations. The outside is also pretty and bright. I went to my storage cage to see what I saved. Enough I think to do it up right(with Amy"s help . Last year I was still in the house and I start to dip when I think of my first Christmas without my love. Pray for me as it is hard.

Betty Boop

THE REST OF THE STORY

I did something wrong and lost my place. As I was saying--the play was a great success. Played to a standing only cheering croud. I had seven of my family plus Rob Hill{my pastor} to come. Even got roses from Mary Grace. I do not know who was on stage in my body but it was not me. I think I have been bitten by the acting bug. It was grest fun and good for me.

Betty Boop

MUST SETTLE DOWN

Great day and four days in Pensacola. Had a good time seeing the Rhodes family. They were so good to me. I am a little trouble now and I appreciate the attention. Loved holding my new great-grand child. How sweet is that.? And the boys were so cute with little sister. Got to see Lindsay and her family too. They really like to get together too. I love that they do.















t

Ist showing IS HE GONE YET?

We did our play IS HE GONE YET? yesterday. it went well and we will do it to a {I hope} a packed house tonight. I was amazed that I did not have butterflies. Hope tonight is good too as I will have family here. Wish us luck. I will head south to get away from my many fans. HA HA. More like I will be running from the BOOOOOOOS.

Betty Boop

TOO BUSY---------

I have been busy and not the kind of busy you write about. I am looking forward to going to Whitney's with Linda and Joe for Thanksgiving. Will get to see that beautiful little Karis and two sweet boys. I will get to have Thanksgiving dinner around my old dinning room table where many good meals and fun was had. It has a good new home and I am glad. First will get the "show on the road" Tuesday and Monday both. I will be glad. It has been fun but I am getting ready to move on. I have no idea how I changed the type of this blog but I like it. Maybe it will stay around but . This computer has a mind of it's own or maybe it is crazy me. More later

Betty Boop

CLOSET SALE

We had a giant sale. Ashley would have loved all the lovely old furniture. I took some sweater sets and jackets to sell. Things that were good but I was tired of. Havent heard the results but it all goes to the Employees Christmas Fund. We are not allowed to give tips so this is a way to show appreciation. They deserve it because I have never seen more dedicated people that serve us. It is cold this morning--31 degrees. Hope it stays that way--I like it. The SCVC{choir} is singing today. We are having Veterans Day program. I put little flags in my turkey"s wings for today.

Betty Boop

ALL SAINTS DAY

It was All Saints Day and our church celebrates all the people who have died this year. Five from our church this year. Rev, Rob took each one and remembered some wonderful things about each one. He does an amazing job and I was so grateful to him for the things he said about Truman. It was very bittersweet and we all cried and laughed too. Cary, David. Tommy Amy. M. G. and of course Sophie in the choir. They lit candels for each person. I felt Truman's presence so strong. It has been seven months and so much has happened. I feel lost sometime but yet my memories are so wonderful and I feel I have made a lot of progress. Any way I am trying.

Sweetly Be
Betty Boop

Burgers & Blues after Croquet

Big tournment and dinner on the Terrace(except it turned too cold for most to eat on terrace} Any way the food was good and music by Terry Miler was good too. Some 'clowns' dressed up. I saw a lot of witches and even SUPERMAN. So good to see people enjoying themselves. I sat at a table for eight. Some I already knew and like papaw I was friends with the rest before we left. He taught me well and I am glad. It makes life so much more fun. Now I will remove the witch and pumpkins and other Halloween decor and replace with Thanksgiving stuff. How fast time is going.

Sweetly Be
Betty Boop

Burgers &

KIDS AGAIN

Everyone is getting ready. Most doorways to apartments are decorated for the big day. My entrance looks great with Amy's help. I mean she did it. I have had fun walking in the halls and looking at the different decorations. Many already have candy to offer. I must admit I have picked up some even tho I do not eat much of it. We are having the big croquet playoff the 31st and Burgers and Blues after the Croquet match. Big doings!!. Hamburgers with all trimmings, lemonade and byob ---and dessert. All on the Lakeview Terrace. Life is good. It is raining today and turning cool. Hope the weather is good for Halloween some will wear costumes I am sure--not me.

Betty Boop

PERFECT

Leroy Percy State Park is the oldest state park in Mississippi. My first trip there. We saw baby deer and yes alligators in the lake where our cabins were located. Signs said DO NOT FEED ALLIGATORA. O. K. They stayed on the other side of the lake I am glad to report. It was perfect weather for a roaring fire which was attended by David and M. G. They did a great job. Food was as always plentyful and good. We hiked and talked and laughed and did us all good. Poor Tommy pulled a muscel in his leg but Jan propped him up and with pain he made the best bacon and pancakes well assited by Mary Grace. Everyone worked to make it great. It is a beautiful small park and very well kept. All are refreshed and ready to go back to work. Except me--I do not have to work anymore. How great is that?

Betty Boop

CABIN CAMPING

Ten of us are going camping. Come on the rest of you. Wish you could. You know----camp fire, somemores {SP}. Lots of laughs, fun, and good food. I am sure it will renew us all just to get out and enjoy this beautiful outdoors. A gift from God that we often take for granted.

Betty Boop

GEORGIA ON MY MIND

Having a "PITY PARTY' I guess that is what you call it. Any way God sent two angels to help. One in the hall let me pour out my feelings and understood. Another called with a bottle of wine. I whipped out wine glasses and crackers and LAUGHING COW CHEESE We enjoyed talking about her X husband and my sweet one.
could not get the cork of the opener out and she dared me to go next door and ask the man to unloose the cork. We both went and he got a kick out of us standing there needing his help. So the pitty party took on a fun time. She was so sweet to listen and I learned about her. Thank God for friends.

Sweetly BeBetty Boop

FALL ?

I guess I forget what Fall is like here. Hot today and cool tomorrow. I am looking for some change in the leaves and brisk winds to go with all the football. Now football is fall to me. Of course we only had radio but I can still hear games even though I would be outside the doors and windows were always open and people were all outside enjoying the change in the weather. Here in the HALLS we talk about just a little change. Something to say to people as you pass in the halls. This is still an amazing place to live. I wish so often that Truman could have enjoyed it with me but I know he would have been happy for me. He always told me not to stay in the house too long. I am glad I moved when I did. Practice is coming along well. It will be fun to be in a play and have LINES to say. Can you imagine ME? Linda and Joseph are spending the night with me--on the way to see Miss Karis. I would like to see her too. Whitney is so good to post pictures of her. I do not know how she has time but I love it.

Betty Boop

BIG 60 NO WAY!!!!!!

Birthday dinner for Jan at Cary and David"s apartment. We celebrated her and what her life means to us all. She is loved by many. Looking forward to "cabin camping" soon. We will need a camp fire for sure. Things are going as usual around here. I am practicing for our play of wich I have a few lines to say. Another first for me. Who am I anyway? Sometime I do not even know myself. I guess that is good.

Sweetly Be
Betty Boop

EGG-OLIVE SALADegg

A friend,Betty Rowland, surprized me with egg olive salad. packaged on ice at my door yesterday. I made a small tissue flower and attached it to a thank you note and left it at her door. I told her since she is a native Jacksonian too that for a while I was back at Brent's Drugs eating egg olive on whole wheat bread. She remembered it well and said her salad was made like Brent"s I thought hers was even better. Small acts of kindess take us through the days. I love to be around her because that is what she does every day. God bless the Betty's I have met here.

Betty Boop

JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

She is here!!!!!! Karis Elizabeth has joined the Rhodes clan. I wish I could hold her while she is so new. I have told everyone here at St. Catherines" about her. She looks beautiful and I know you are so proud of her. Thank the Lord for such a blessing.

MaMaw

A Lot To Do

I had a big day. Monday usually is busy. I overslept and had to hurry breakfast to get to exercise class and coffee club. Made flowers and delivered them. Lunch in the Cyber Cafe then nap. Up for Choir practice. Started work on Christmas and some new hard stuff. Then Methodist Church service. Hurry to change for dinner with friends in the dinning room. Hurry to look at DANCING WITH THE STARS. Now bed time. Do you really want to read all this?/ I hope so because it is my life now.

Betty Boop

CLOSET SALE

We had a giant closet sale yesterday. We have one two times a year. Where does it all come from? We made almost $4,ooo dollars with things costing mostly under a dollar. The money goes to the Christmas fund for the employees. What is left goes to some charity like Goodwill. I bought a great dictionary for fifty cents. I had lost mine in the move. Real exciting hu? Amy came to lunch Friday. We love the blackend catfish/ Jan came today and lunch on the terrace was delightful. She brought me two pots of yellow mums to go on my balcony. Soooooo pretty/ Love those girls. Life goes on and I am blessed.

Betty Boop

LIFE IS LIKE A RIVER-------LORELEI

As I read my devotional this morning, John Sherrill wrote about his trip on the Nile River---same trip Truman and I took. The story is told about this point in the river where it is narrow and dangerous. The myth tells how Lorelei lured sailors to the shore where the were wrecked and killed. He ends it with this statement that hit me. "As I approach my own LORELEI, Father, show me the navigation aids You will provide" On a bitter sweet note Amy and I went to Riverwood and picked a bucket full of spider lilies. Truman planted them everywhere. Beautiful. Betty Boop


r

Sunday

Went to Church today with Amy, M.G. Sophie and other Ellis' S Ate lunch at McAlisters. Later we went to see Cary and David's apartment. It is really nice. Not much else happened so I will sign off and go read this new book the library had. THE BUTTERFLY'S DAUGHTER, About monarch butterflys. A sweet novel woven in. I am enjoying it

Goodnight
Betty Boop

BIG SHOW [almost New York city}

We had a great show today. The Delta Rockers from Greenville, Ms. Now don"t laugh. They are women age 59=79.





























We had a great show today. The Delta Rockers. Now don't laugh. They ranged in age from 54 to 79. Most in their 70's. Dressed like the New York Rocketts. And they could dance and kick almost as good. Amazing the energy they had. For an hour they entertained us. They perform all over and are dedicated to showing you how to stay fit. My they were "fit". I am always amazed at what all you can do out here. Always something for everyone to do or be interested in. Looking for cool weather and maybe a little rain.

Betty Boop

TUESDAY----BIG DAY

Jan, Amy.Tommy and me joined my lawyer and Bank Trust Dept. to close the estate. A little emotional but it went well. Everything will be good. Joined Sophie for lunch at the Elite. A treat for sure. O yes M. G. came too. I fell in bed for a nap and went to practice for the big croquet tournament. First time for me and a few others. I am on the "Play for fun" team. It was fun and something to do. But I was real tired when I went to bed. Feel better this morning.

Betty Boop

KINGDOM COME Camp Meeting

!st Sunday of Kingdomtide--Old time singing like "Victory In Jesus","There is power in the blood", ""I"ll Fly Away" You get the drift. And music by Bill Ellison, Temperance Babcock, and Jeff Perkins. Blugrass like you have never heard. Bill has a radio show on public radio and Temperance(a girl) is with the Symphony Orchestra Plays the violin so beautifully. Just something they love to do that is different from their everyday jobs. It was fun to me. We had lunch at the church and they also played while we ate. Irene. Dianne. Woody. Ruby. Amy. Sophie and me--filled the Ellis row. Rob's message was "We Need Each Other" That is true.

Betty B

SATURDAY DOINGS

I put a large picture that Joseph sent me of Ellis
Beach Week up on the board downstairs reserved for bragging rights. I have made a few unnessary walks by it to hear comments. I have not been dissapointed . It looks good and I have had quite a few nice comments. Amy and I took new fall flowers to Truman's beautiful resting place. I am glad he is there in such a restful and beautiful place. My o my but I miss him. Memories have been so strong today. But by God's Grace and Mercy I will make it.

Betty Boop

Cappichino {SP}

I got roped into drinking cappichino with three other "girls". We laughed at ourselves for being bad and drinking so many calories. Fun people. I also,and I do not know how; but I landed a part in the play we are putting on in November. Written by some of our residents and put on by us too. Never done this before. Also I am on the beginners team for croquet. Big thing out here. Big tournement coming up. Stay tuned. Truman would be proud of me. He always
wanted me to do more things. Well I am sure trying. Betty Boop

HOMADE SOUP

Monday I made soup

Betty and cornbread. Did some iorning, went to exercise class, Ate soup for lunch, nap, Choir practice. Methodist Church service, had dinner of my homade spaghetti, delivered two tissue flowers(yes still} watched television, read a little and went to bed. Lord keep me from being so downcast at times, that I forget to look at the "flowers" lining my pathway. Flowers of blessings. They are many.

Betty Boop

FLOWERS

I wish you could all see my apartment. Today we put flowers in the church today in memory of Truman for his 90th birthday. They were beautiful. Amy and I brought them here and she did her magic. She made 11 arragements and they are in every room and even outside my entrance. So beautiful. She said to look at them and think of Truman.

And I will.

Betty Boop

HAWAIIAN LUAU

It was quite festive. All the servers were dress Island style.
flowers and fruit palm trees all over and best of all "The roasted pig" Cooked for hours they said and beautiful. It was so good but best was the chocolate lava cake. To die for and I did pay for eating about half of it. I got my hair cut today and now I am that little "dark haired cutie " again.

Later
Betty Boop

FASHION SHOW

Mary Grace came to the Fashion show with me. were Our own residents as models really did a great job and the fall oufits from Steinmarts were so pretty.
Did you know the original store started in Greenville, Ms.? As I said I am going to the Hawaiian Lulu today? Well let me get to my day, hope yours is good.

Betty Boop

TAPPING FEET

The Gospel Jubilee turned out to be a Blugrass Gospel group who really did "rock" so to speak. Three men from 30 to 60 and one young woman. Well known in the world of Blugrass and really good. For an hour they played banjo, guitar and bass fiddle really loud and livley. I remembered Bryan and his jazz band playing here and little did I know at the time I would be one of the "toe tappers" today. Life is full of surprises. On to the style show by Stienmart today. Stay tuned.

Betty Boop

Computer down

My computer has been down so no post in a day or two, Nothing much different here but Bryan and Ashley are still on our mind. Hope they are not being held captive in their apartment too long. What a lot of disasters latley. Sun is shining here today and still hot and dry. I will tell you about the good old fashioned Gospel Jubilee sing that I am going to in a little while. A Fashion Show tomorrow and Hawaiian Luau wednesday. I am wondering what next month will bring. Never a dull moment.

Betty Boop

CUT OFF

My rude computer cut me off before I could edit my spelling. {which I know is auful} I guess I sais enough anyway.

Betty Boop

QUESTIONS???????

I went to our coffe club this morning. This sweet and cute little Jewish lady says "I love my beautiful tissue flower. Did you make it? "Yes" I answerd. Next question from someone else. "Why did I not get one" Me--"Tell me your apt. number, I'll get you one" Third lady. "I do not know what you all are talking about but I want one too." Me--You will have one before the day is done" Soooooo my shop is open again. I also delivered two more to some girls I like . Another thing happened to me of enterest. I was walking down the hall and saw this funny lady coming at high speed{as fast as a walker will let you go}She is always laughing. I said I am going to call you "Smiley She gasped and started to laugh "I forgot my dentures" turned and rsn back down the hall laughing her head off. Over her shoulder she laughed "You made my day"

Music and other things

I went and voted this morning. I hope I got it right. Amy and M. G. came to lunch with me today. Mary Grace likes school and I am glad for her. I went to a beautiful piano concert here tonight. We have such good entertainment. I really enjoyed it.

Off to bed.

Betty Boop

Music and other things

OUT OF SORTS

I have been feeling a little down for a few days. Know what I mean?
No good reason--just do. I just read a quote from a book. "We are children of God,put here to delight in the world as long as we are privileged to be here" Lord I need your care on good days and the bad, and I trust that you will never leave me alone in the dark. Amen.

Betty Boop

Saturday and Sunday

Nothing new, Maybe today will be different. Nothing is wrong with the usual but I did not think you would be interested in the same old thing,

Betty Boop

THURSDAY PARTY

Thursday, yesterday Jan. M.G., Tommy and Cary had lunch with me at the Cyber Cafe. What fun. I love having them any time. Delivered a flower to someone who needed a smile. That made me happy too.

Betty Boop
Please write

DOWNSIZING

Amy had lunch with me today. She took my music system {taking up too much room} to the Goodwill. I never play tapes or the radiou --just CD's--Sne gave me a small CD player for Mother's Day. I really like it because it is small and plays very good. I went to a concert here last night. Beautiful love songs sung by our Activity director and her assistant. Both have beautiful voices. I enjoyed it very much. A friend gave me a jar of fig perserves. More like they were canned and not much sugar. I had some one ice cream and this morning they perked up my English muffin.
Life is good

Betty Boop

STRANGE DAY

It started off with me wondering what would take place today. Something interesting usually does. At Coffee Club my friend who loves to sing--94 years old--and a dear little man--said do you want me to sing to you today. I said yes, by all means. He sang SOMEWHEARE MY LOVE. Every word of it. Everyone was looking and enjoying it. Later when I went for ice cream at three o'clock. I sat down by a jolly lady. She was just eating her lunch and said good, sit down and watch my food-don't let them take the plate as I want to take the rest of my food home. I need to go tee tee. And she did and we had a great visit when she returned. I walked the halls this afternoon. A lot of people do this. I wonder what will tomorrow bring? I am going to watch WHEEL OF FORTUNE- then read some. I am reading a series of romantic, novel about the Amish people. We saw that country on one of our trips. Very interesting.

Betty Boop

MONDAY

Mondays are usually busy. Coffee club, exercise class, choir practice and Methodist Church service. I stayed busy. I need something else to do. I get restless and then my emotions take over. I keep looking for what God has in his plan for me. Maybe I will find it soon. Make more flowers? I am about to get tired of that.I early in life realized I have been made for "little" things. I must keep my eyes open and not miss them.

Sweetly Be
Betty Boop

ELLIS REUNION

I wish I could remember which year this is. 80 something. I must look it up. I just know it was different for me. I made it fairly well. I still am amazed at how much people thought of Truman. I totaly am thankful for all the good things that was said about him. I am also thankful that we were so blessed to have shared so much of ours lives together. There will never be another for me. We had such good food and fellowship at the reunion. I am glad I went. Enjoyed Linda and Joseph staying with me. I love them both. Well another week starts. I wonder what is in store for me. I go to the eye /this week. I hope for good news.

Betty Boop

FRIDAY {so far}

I went to exercise class this morning. We have a new bike. I think I will like it. I can adjust it better. Me and two other short legged ladies are happy with it. Getty ready for the Ellis reunion. I really do not want to go. It will be sad without Truman. He loved it so and wanted eveyone to come. I don't know what it will be like without him. We will all be fine I know.

Betty Boop

WORDS OF WISDOM ST. CATHERINES STYLE

A guy told me there were two laws that were important. The Law of Grafity and The Law of standing in the doorway to have a conversation. Which is the most important? I think the latter .

Betty Boop

Busy MondayExercise Class

Monday was busy. Exercise Class first, then to Mall for a little shopping. Lunch there and then home for a few minutes rest. Choir practice then Methodist Church service. Made a couple of flowers and delivered them then dinner of my homemade tuna salid with fresh tomato and then TV and to read a book. And now to bed. Big day for aan old lady. I am up and running this morning. Looking for an adventure.

Betty Boop

WAKE UP CALL

Early Saturday morning (6:30) my door knocker loudly brought me running just out of bed. My sweet neighbor down the hall was there saying "I have breakfast ready, come eat with me". I said "dressed this way?" I had on my gown and robe and barefooted. "Yes, me too" I went and the smoke alarm was ringing in her apartment and she had burned the toast. Never mind the mantaince man there to see what was wrong, she padded down the hall to wake another sweet neignbor and brought her to have breakfast. There we sat looking like three Raggeded old dolls enjoying bacon, eggs, toast, muffins. strawberry jam and strawberries and blueberries and coffee as the sun came up. What a thrill and yet a little strange too. Bless her she really gave us a sweet memory. Time marches on and who knows what will happen next? She is 84 but wait a minute---so am I.

Betty Boop

STILL HOT

I wish I did not have to get out today. It is so hot but I need gas. I do not use much anymore but I drove home on empty yesterday and it scared me. Truman always said that it does not cost any more to keep gas at half at least. I still have to get help pumping gas. So stupid. Maybe this is the day I will learn.

Betty Boop

GOOD AT THIS

Six yesterday and two today. (flowers of course} If I keep this up I will have all of St. Catherines covered with flowers I picked up Ruby today and brought her to visit Irene and me too. She is so undecided as to what to do about downsizing. She ;iked my apartment (I think) but she is so afraid to make a move. It is a big move and change and I understank how she feels. I felt I had no other choice and I am soooooo happy with my choice.

Betty Boop


















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WHO DID THAT?

There is buzz in the hall. I heard someone say "Did you get a tissue flower?" O me now when it gets out that I did it, some may say "Why did you not give me one?" I will have to make more. Can not stay out of trouble when I am trying to do it right.
Went to church and to lunch with Amy and Sophie. We ate brunch at Julep's in Highland Village. Was nice. Jan came to visit and all in all it was a good day.

BETTY OOP
please write everyone. I miss it

FLOWERS

I did a silly thing, Nothing new there? Remember the tissue flowers I made for Amy's party? She brought some back to me and I put one or two at eich of my neighbor' doors. ONLY ONE PERSON KNOWS WHO DID IT. Hard not to tell but I will wait and see what happenes. Probably nothing but it was fun to do it when no one saw me. Lord I need something to do. I am going to church at Broadmeadow this morning, Must get ready to go.

Betty Boop

SATURDAY

Blueberry waffles{frozen} but fresh bluberries. So good. Just me and my thoughts and memories. Just four months since Truman passed and it is very fresh today. Amy had lunch Friday with me. The CYBER CAFE always has blackened catfish on Friday and we both like it. I must do a little laundry this morning but that is a task I can do and stay out of trouble, I hope. We will see what today brings. I hope it is good.

Betty Boop

To correct my comuter's mistake

I made the flowers for Amy--Not the coffee club

THIS AND THAT

The coffee group I go to almost every morning needs a name. How about COME AND GO ? Or maybe THIS AND THAT? I meet some interesting people with stories to tell. Boy some of them have things to tell. One old guy wants to sing to me. He is the one who sings Yankee Doodle Dandy along with the story that he saw the original Broadway show with Jimmy Cagney. Now how neat is that? I madeto the coffee a big bag full of tissue paper flowers in bright colors for Amy. She and her friend Bev are giving a Senior party for a friens's daughter today. It was fun to do. Must go {to get coffee}

Betty
boop

HOME

Home-It means different things to different people. My home is St. Catherine's now. Riverwood seems like a dream. Yet the Beach seemed like home. Tho bittersweet I felt at home. I felt Truman's presence there. I lost it a few times but I would look up and one of my sweet Angels in the form of a family member would be there saying "I miss him too" I understand. Thank you all for your love and support. I had a real good time. MaMaw

I think I will go to bed. Better tomorrow.

Can"t Spell Either

I Stank Corrected !!

Inn Cahoots it is

MaMaw

LET' DO IT

Sometime it seems the DAY will never get here. But it is right here. Plan your work and work your plan. But always you forget something. All we really need is each other to make it happen. Looking for a new adventure. It will be different but I am so thankful that I can go. IN-COOTS here we come.


Betty Boop






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WHO ME?

I got a memo in my mail box today inviting me to be on the Activity Committee!!!! One of ten people. I guess my hall walking and friendly Hello's and big smiles all paid off. I guess I will accept even tho I did not volenteer at all. I get into a lot of trouble doing nothing. I will try to do a good job. This can be surley group if not happy with the way they are being intertained. Just kidding. This is a w
onderful bunch of people. aMaw

MULTI-TASKING ?

Something (I thought)funny happened yesterday . I went into the restroom after exercise class. Two stalls. I went in the empty one. I overheard a lady talking. I tuned in and I realized she was taking care of business while taking care of business. I don't know about you but I think I need a change of scene. Like the beach?

ANOTHER WEEKEND

I can not believe another week has passed. I fill my time up real fast. But I am enjoying it all. Just one week from today and we will be sipping wine and looking at the ocean. Sound good? Yes, I can not wait to see tou all.

MaMaw
Better known as Betty Boop

belum {b"LUM}

I learned a new word today. belum. In Indonesia it means "not yet" They do not have a word for "no". I was asked if I know how to LINE DANCE. Shall I answer belum? I am thinking about it. Sounds like fun. The teacher is in his 80"s. I know him and he has a good "story"

Betty Boop

HAPPY 4TH

This has been a good day. My SCV Sunshine Choir performed this morning. We sang for an hour on stage all dressed in red,white,and blue. Old WW11 songs and then lots of songs for the 4th. Jan came We ate hot dogs and watermelon sitting on my balcony. We enjoyed it. I watched a very good fireworks show from my balcony tonight.



















































This has been a good day. My SCV Sunshine Choir sany today . We sang for everyone for an hour. On the stage wearing red,white,and blur and waving flags. Boy what a sight. Jan came. We then sat on my balcony and ate hot dogs and watermellon.
What could be better? Tonight I warched the firework show from the balcony. It was shot from the ball park right over our lake. It was very good--almost as good as on the Boston Harbour. Not really but close. I am working on baby girl blankdts. So sweet. See you soon

Betty Boop













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SATURDAY

Jan came for lunch. I had ceaser salad with shrimp. Was good but not as good as we will have at Gulf Shores. I think everyone is getting ready. Right? We went to the old farmer's market/ I bought cucumbers and plums. Amy had brought me squash, tomatos and okra. I made cornbread for my supper and had a feast. I love fresh veggies. Will go to Church at Broadmeadow. tomorrow.

Betty Boop

ST. CATHERINES

This is the place to be, Amy, M. G., and Ivy are coming for lunch. They know it is blackened catfish day. It is so good. They really know how to steam veggies.A lady this morning at :free coffee" noticed my ear rings matched a color in my blouse. Now that was nice. A man in the craft room fixed two gold chains that were broken. Charged me nothing as long as I could say "thank you" Of course I nplanned to sayb that anyway. That was nice, I stillk have the rest of the day--what else good will happen? I will let you know.

Betty Boop

Rest of story

As I was saying before this rude computer cut me off.

while I stay busy I am still lonely. Nights are hard.

Better Tomorrow

BUSY DAY

First I did laundry, then exercise class 'that went well-picked up mail-ate lunch-nap-went to a great piano concert-Mike Strickland-he grew up in our church-lives in Portland, Or. now and is a very succesful writer, and concert pianist- I bought a CD(I already had one. My player stopped playing. I had trouble yesterday with it. It is almost new. I will havc to see about it because I like my music. I went to the Methodist service. We have one every Monday with nere by ministers taking turns. Rob come some but not today. I then had supper and am going to read and rest. Another day and while














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BUSY dAY

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Saturday is a strange day.

Skiped pancakes this Saturday . I decided they made my blood sugar rise. Could be I ate too much of a good thing. I went to Noeth Park Mall this morning. m First time in a while. Bought I bought five (5) tops. I thought I needed them. Any way it made me happy. Lunch at Chick Filet and home for nap and then sugar free chocolate ice cream from the Cyber. Orderd some earrings from a man here who makes all kinds of things. Real cheap. I ate my ice cream on my balcony I am going down to pick up dinner. (Fried shrimp} Hope it does nothing bad for me. //////Then Lawrence Welk. Man I live a wild life/

Betty Boop




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ELAVATOR TALK (can be strange)

I overheard a lady sAY----"I HAVE BEEN MARRIED 50 YEARS. OF COURSE I HAVE BEEN MARRIED TWICE" O K. that figures

Betty Boop

A LOT GOING ON

Linda is on her way for the weekend. Tommy is being celebrated tonight with dinner and lots of us. HHHNorwoods ans McNeil's Even Andrew. Cameron was here to pick up my dinning room furniture that I gave to them and
andrew wanted to stay.




























Linda is on hwe way to spend the weekend. We celebrate Tommy"s birthday tonight. The Norwoods, McNeil"s and even Andrew. Cameron came yesterday with a truch to pick up my dinning room furniture that I gave them. Andrew wanted to stay because Whitney is comming Wednesday to shop for baby furniture with Amy to help. Then go home. What if Liam wants to stay?

COFFEE ON THE TERRACE

This morning I missed "free coffee" So I had to buy some in the
cyber/ I took it outside to drinkj it. An interesting new lady followed me.She was nervous and talked a lot. But something was strange. We did not make much sense. Then I realized she could not hear it thunder. What a onesided conversation that was. Any way she said she would see me lster. Do you think? Went to a wonderful musical program this afternoon. The Noteables. A senior group from Galloway Methodist Church. They were good. I had heard them before. Hemmed some new pants, just had dinner and now I will get back to that mystery tonight.

Sweet Dreams
Betty Boop S




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he was nervous






took it outside to dri

I AM DULL

First, I just love all your blogs. It takes me to all the places you go and I am right there with what you do. My blog seems so tame beside yours. Hope I do not bore you. I am off to exercise class then to choir practice later lunch in the Cyber, Church at four. then dinner in the dinning room. A good mystery book to read. Not much going on you see? Just kidding. I am enjoying myself. Glad to hear much talk about Gulf Shores.

See you all there
Betty Boop

DARK HAIR 'CUTIE'

I am going to get a much needed hair cut this morning. And I will come back home and become Truman's "dark hair cutie"

Betty Boop

THE CYBER CAFE

I went down to pick up my mail and ducked into the Cyber(so named because there are two computers for residents to use} Clever? Any way I wanted some sugar free .
chocolate but they were all out. They said everyone is eating ice cream today/ Could it be the 100 degree weather? No one is going outside so how do we know it is HOT? Wisdom comes with age? Could that be true? Then I am very smart.

Sweetly Be.
Betty Boop

THE HALLOWED HALLS OF ST. CATHERINE

Three things I have learned.
1. Speak to everyone you meet in the halls.
2. SMILE real big.
3. Learn and say their name. (hard to do for me)

Truman always made blueberry pancakes every Saturday morning. I have been going to the Cyber Cafe downstaires on Saturday. The sweet Chef will put my bluberries that I take down in my pancakes. I do know her name but will not disclose it but I do give her a sweet smile.


come eat with me and I will say your name and give you a big smile.

Sweetly Be
Betty Boop

HOT TODAY

I am sad today. My longtime companion is gone. I had to put Penny down yesterday. She was a very sick kitty and there was nothing left to do. I miss her so much. She was the best cat I ever had. I cannot replace her and I really do not want to.

Sadly
be
Betty Boop

HALL WALKER (THAT;s me}

I overheard a sweet little lady saying to a cute little lady my size' "I enjoyed playing that new game BARBECUE. Puzzled she said Oh! you mean RUMMICUBE" go FIGURE how that game came out. You hear a lot in the halls.
Todat being Memorial Day we went all out. Flags everywhere and real barbecue. Outside our doors you can decorate. I put Truman's Navy picture and small flags, a red rose and A copy of ENGEBI. It was pretty.

Sweetly Be
Betty Boop









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I am back

It has been a long time since I have wanted to write. So much has happened. I am trying to define a life without my love. In a way he is still with me. I kiss his pillow wvery night and morning. I go for a long time without thinking about him now. I have had so much to do. Taking care of business is not my style but I have to do it. Without Tommy,Jan.Amy.Mary G.Ed I would have been lost. Enough! i AM LIVING in an amazing place. Making friens and learning which ones to smile at and pass pass by. What a trip.

Much later

Betty Boop
Sweetly be

I'm coming back