SATURDAY

HAVE YOU EVER WOKE UP FEELING NOT SO PERKY?  I DID THIS MORNING, BLOOD SUGAR ABOVE NORMAL AND DID NOT SLEEP WELL LAST NIGHT.  I CANCELED BREAKFAST IN THE CYBER AND FIXED MY OWN,  I REMEMBERED PIG-IN-A-POKE OR WAS IT EGG-IN-AHOLE?  ANYWAY I MADE ONE AND IT WAS SOOO GOOD.  THINK I WILL HANG LOOSE TODAY AND CATCH UP 

BETTY BOOP

PATSY CLINE

I have always loved Patsy Cline and the songs she sang.  Truman liked her voice.  He said it was co clear and understandable.  I have a CD of some of her best.  Today we had a program and we had a full house.  Shirley Marshall, our amazing Activity Director is so talented.  She dressed and sang Patsy Cline songs.  It was so good.  Her songs were "tear jerkers" anyway, but the way she sang them brought tears to our eyes.  And of course Alan and Patty were so good to accompany her.  I really did enjoy it.  She sang other songs also.  When she sang THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE really cracked me up because I  remember so well the first time I saw Truman,  You know the story so I will not relate it again, but I just knew there was something there and I wanted to explore.  I guess he did too.  I guess a good "cry" was in order.  I kept hearing that from friends as we went back to our apartments.  I think crying is a good thing in some ways.  I am learning so much about being a widow.  There ==I think that is the first time I called myself that.  I hate the word, so strike that out. --------think I need a walk.

Betty Boop

HUMMING BIRDS

I have been told that hummingbirds are aggressive to each other.  I went out on the balcony to rest my eyes.  I had been tweaking a story I wrote some time ago and never really finished it.  It is a little long and my eyes got tired.  Hummingbirds, I think I told you are all around with several feeders near me  Two kept fighting right in front of me.  They dashed a little too close for comfort.  I realized that maybe they were looking me over was because I had on a solid red shirt.  You know they are attracted to red.  I felt honored to see them so close, but I decided to come inside.  I hated to disappoint them.  

Betty Boop

YHE MIDDLE

I always thought the "middle" was the safest place to be.  Not first, which makes me afraid and certainly not last.  Although I feel last a lot.  Sometimes last is safe and you know what is best, because hind sight is better than foresight ?  Now does that make any sense at all?  Any point to this discussion?  No, not really.  Just had to write something so you would know I am still thinking.  However misguided my thinking is. 

I saw our resident white heron yesterday and also our resident buzzards (3)  Ducks, and a exciting hummingbird battle from my balcony.  Those little wonders are fighting for the feeders.  There are two next to me and two down from me and one on the other side.  They are aggressive little birds and fun to watch.  Well enough of my Nature Show--Sweetly Be 

Betty Boop

MONDAY ABOUT SUNDAY

Sunday was Sunday again.  That is a good thing.  I love to hear our clever young preacher.  He finds ways to help us understand God's plan for us.  After all today is what we have and we must live in it.  My highlight of the day is of course having lunch with my family.  We never know just what the mix will be--but always good.  Of course I am blessed to have flowers from the Church to give.  It always does me as much good to visit and give as it does the person I visit.  Yesterday was no exception.  I also saw a little lady I want to visit and give to next week.  Thank you Lord for putting people in my path that I feel I help.  I know they help me. 

A good Quaker advice, "Be present where you are."  Good advice, I challenge you today to try to be present where you are.  I will try to do the same.

Betty Boop

Friday & Saturday

Jan and Carol had lunch with me in the dinning room Friday and it was fun.  The lunch theme was Hawaii.  Roasted pig and all the foods that complemented .  It was very good.  Could not eat the dessert, but that was alright with us.  It was good to see Carol and visit with her.  I gave her a copy of TRU-BE-DO-BE-DOOoooooo.  I do hope my Grandchildren appreciate that book.  Truman wrote it for you.  Hunt it up and read it again.  It is just like him talking to you.  Read ENGEBI again too.  I do sometimes read some of it.  I love to imagine what a 21 year Truman(who had never been far from home) was like.  Can't you imagine how  brave and scared he was.  To have so many new experiences really changed their lives and in many ways made them what they were from then on,

MG and Ryan had breakfast with me.  A real "lumberjack" breakfast for Ryan, as he was headed off to help move furniture for his sister.  I had an omelet with tomato and mushrooms and half the cheese.  It was good and the company was excellent.  At eight o'clock in the morning, that is saying a lot.  They visited a while and were reluctant to get on with the day.  Now I have shampooed my hair and in a while will go to WalMart.  I have been here all week with plenty to keep me busy, but WalMart is a must, once in a while. 

Later
Betty Boop

GIRLS. GIRLS. GIRLS.

Well just two but they were fun at lunch,  M. G. and Amy.  Amy always does something special when she is here.  I framed the Beach step picture and she hung it under my other favorite beach picture  Several years ago Whitney framed three  poses of Truman walking on the beach.  I love it and look at it a lot.  Now hanging below him  are my favorite people in the whole wide world.  Add Cameron to the list.  Sorry he had to miss the beach picture.  We love him too.  It is funny how a small gesture like hanging a new picture can cause you so much pleasure when you pass and glance at it.  Thank you Amy.  (O yes, as I always say to myself when I look at Truman "You have the most sexy legs in town!"   .I always told him that.  Today tell someone you love an endearment,  You will always be glad you did. 

In the memory mode.
Betty Boop

ROAING 90's PARTY

No not for me ---yet.  Once a year we have a Birthday party for all residents 90 or over.  There are over 150 who are over 90.  Several are 100 and over,  Three of the 100s were there.  In fact one sat at the table where I sat and she sang every word to the sing-a-longs.  It was amazing.  I went to be with Irene, who is 92.  It was a wonderful celebration.  I felt actually young among them.  Beautiful decorations and food too.  Kind of gave me a lift.  One lady at my table kind of bonded with me as we sang along together.  Music is so wonderful.  People respond to music when they can't respond to other things.  One lady, who I know well, got up and danced with a nurse.  I mean she knew what she was doing.  Her son seemed embarrassed.  I could have shook him.  Did not faze her.  She had a ball and I was glad for her.  Irene forgot her pains and worries for a while as I took her back and visited her for a while.  So I had a good day.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

Fall in the air.  I like this break in the temperature.  No kids to get off to school but I remember the thrill of a new beginning for everyone.  I don't understand my mixed feelings about Sunday.  Well I think I do but I wish I could get over the hard time I still have going back to Broadmeadow.  With not my usual days, I have too much time to think.  I try to fill it by doing things like visiting and taking flowers to someone and always being with Amy and sometime grandchildren,.  But the piece is still missing. 

Well it is Monday and plenty to do.  Maybe I will pull it together today. 


So Be It
Betty Boop

SATURDAY What again?

I am sure you are bored with my saying that, but it seems that way.  Last weekend was so wonderfully full.  I started the day right with my friend Darlene at breakfast.  M. G. and Ryan came and helped me understand  a few things on my computer.  My goodness I feel so dumb but yet a little smarter when  they leave.  Now if I can just remember what I "learned."  Jan joined us for lunch and we actually ate on the terrace overlooking our beautiful lake.  It was cloudy and a nice little breeze going.  We all enjoyed it.  Jan stayed and we filled out some stuff for HUMANA Insurance.  It reminded me of how lucky I am to have it.  A nice nap was had by me.  I shampooed my hair.  I guess you needed to hear that.  I sat on the balcony and ate a blueberry yogurt and let the wind dry my hair.  Let me see what else I can do?  Maybe see what the library has that I have not read.  It is still only 4:o'clock.    O yes, my CD was playing The Tennessee Waltz.  I could always get Truman to waltz to that song.  So I just waltzed and pretended we were together.  O my, no matter how much I cram into a weekend--it is still hard.  Will it ever get all right?  Do I really want  it to.?  Everything changes.  nothing is lost. 

So Be It
Betty Boop

TUESDAY

Hot dog day in the Cyber.  Think I will have one and some chili too.  Rain then shine.  The weather is changing.  I love to hear the cicadas singing.  Reminds me of Fall.  Then that time is marching on.  Exercise felt good this morning.  I am glad to have the class--makes me go regularly.  Creative writers Group meets today.  I have a poem and a story new to read.  I am sure enjoying this group.  Hope I don't run out of ideas.  Not likely, since new material is always around.  We are funny and interesting people.  Really we are.  You just have to listen and look.  Also be careful not to label anyone. No, no, no!!!  Think I will go iron  couple of blouses. 

Later
Betty Boop

P. S. to weekend

I can't wait to see Brody in his Uncle Bryan's look-a-like jeans and plaid shirt and shoes to add to the outfit.  So clever!!!!!  Ma Maw

HOOP-DE-DO 11111

However  you spell it, it was a full wonderful weekend.  First to have Linda and Joe and Whitney and Karis to visit was so good.  To watch Cary and David open presents for baby Brody was so much fun.  Sophie and Paul put on a party fit for SOUTHERN LIVING magazine,  Their neighborhood is so peaceful and beautiful  The trees are amazing.  Well you know me must talk about the food too.  So special and they spent such time and care in the decorations.  Well done.  Of course we did not stop with one party.  While all together and the Ellis Reunion being canceled this year, we decided to have a mini one at Jan and Tommy's house.  Jimmy, and Lois Caldwell came Sally was on a visit to Jimmy's so we had I think 18 people and food like the reunion--minus the fried chicken.  Some missed that but the other food was great as well as the visiting.  Just like Ellis reunion.  Oh I missed Truman.  He would have been in rare form in that kind of a crowd.  I felt he was watching.  I do hope some of my thoughts are right about him and heaven.  Of course I realize my mind can not know or figure it all out.  I have to wait my turn to see that.  But it is such a comfort to me to look up at the  sky and imagine I see him there. and maybe looking down on us.  See you later Babe!!  Oh yes Cherry, Peggy, Scott and Sheila were at the shower,  So good to see them too.    Thank you Lord for family.  People who need family and friends are so lucky and I am thankful for mine.

Betty Boop

THIS, THAT, AND THE OTHER

The big shower for Brody Alexander Merkosky is tomorrow.  What a strong sounding name.  It will be a family affair.  The kind we do best.  It will be at Sophie and Paul's house.  Even little cousin, Karis will be there.  Not to let the Ellis Reunion die this year,  we are having a mini one.  I call it the George Ellis Reunion.  A lot of his off springs will gather at sweet Jan's.  Of course we need to thank Tommy too.  Thank goodness Tommy is used to big family doings.  His family love each other too.  Jimmy, Lois and Sally will be here and that is how it got started.  We don't get to see them often.  Our lunch at Jan's will be pretty much like reunion food.  The best!!.  So we have a big weekend starting tomorrow when Linda and Joseph come. 

Guess what--it is raining!!Wonderful.  We need it and they do not promise much cooler weather however.  After all it is August.  I think most people are looking forward to the Fall.  We humans are never satisfied.  I do like the Fall season best.  Something to do with school starting.  But I do not have anyone starting back to school.  Just a habit I guess.

Betty Boop

WEDNESDAY----THE MIDDLE

My the week does go fast.  Here I am in the middle.  Good place to be (I guess),  I need to research and write a poem (laugh).  My WINK poem has gotten some feedback.  Not as much as I thought it would.  I think some people are afraid of me.  After all some take a wink seriously.  It is so hot.  I am glad I don't have anything to do outside today.  Guess I will do those little things I put off.  And exercise and read.  How does that sound?.    Oh yes did I tell you about the two buzzards that have taken up residence on top of the Chapel cross.  Now there are three.  It is funny to hear comments on them.  Something to talk about in the Halls.(or another poem) I need to stop these silly poems but they wont leave me alone.  Oh the curse of being a writer! (Ha Ha) 

Betty Boop

NEW WEEK

Full week is starting today.  Of course Monday's are always full and have added a meeting once a month on Monday. I t is a meeting of the VILLAGER staff.  I can handle that.  I like my new job there. It is cloudy today.  Hope for rain to cool us a little.  I had lunch with Amy, Sophie and Paul after church yesterday.  We ate at MAJESTIC BURGER.  I had a wonderful BLT and enough bacon for a month.  I got my fill.  Better not do that to many times.  Paul is going to speak here in September.  Can't wait for that.  I will have to pump everyone up for that.  He will of course talk about FONDREN.  He said Fondren  then and now.  Many out here knew Fondren early on--like me and Truman.  Our first apartment was there in the mid 40's. 

Well, I must get on with the day.

Talk to you later, Betty Boop

WHAT THE WORD WINK MEANS

The word wink, according to my beautiful dictionary, is of Old English origin.  It usually implies "deliberate movement in quick closing and opening of one or both eyes--one or more times."  It went on and on.  So I began to think about it and to research and found many reasons to wink.  Here are a few:

1.  To send a signal.
2. Pretend not to see.
3. To close a deal.
4. "O. K., you are right>"
5. Or does it mean, "I know something you don't know?"
6. Maybe Our little secret?
7. And then,  "Alright, it is time to start!" 

And then my favorite is a sign of endearment.  Or better put-to  "flirt."

I'm sure you can think of many more ways to define wink.  If you see me in the Halls, give me a wink, and let me interpret it for myself.
    
Dot Ellis
Creative Writers Group

LATEST WRITING IN THE VILLAGER

                                                                                       WHAT THE WORD WINK MEANS

SATURDAY

Saturday, and you know that means PANCAKES!!!!.  Doesn't take much to make my day.  Darlene, my friend, and I like to eat together on Saturday.  She is such a nice person and I like her.  I got stung by a wasp day before yesterday.  In the bubble of all places.  I was arranging fresh flowers for the table in the bubble and I reached in to the flowers and this "thing" darted  out so fast I did not even get a look to see what it was.  A wasp I think.  It stung my little finger and hurt so bad.  It is still swollen and itches like crazy. 

Jan and Peggy came yesterday for lunch and a visit.  I enjoyed them a lot.  Giving the "tour" to someone is fun and just reminds  me again that I live in this wonderful place and am blessed.  We are having a birthday dinner at Jan's for Ed, Cary, and the absent Bryan.  We will think about you Bryan, and tell a story or two.  The menu sounds good.  I am again featured in the VILLAGER publication.  My interview with a new resident and a silly story about the word WINK.  Gosh. where did that one come from?  More on that later as the story gets around.  I will write it for you in my next blog.  To be continued, 

SWEETLY BE
Betty Boop