THE BUBBLE or my Duck Dynasty

More observations.  I was in the Bubble (my private sun room)  at least I claim it to be mine, since nobody else seems to use it as much as I do.  I even arrange flowers on the table.  Anyway, just now while having a cup of coffee, I observed the ducks.  They caught my imagination when I saw five in a row.  I am not kidding.  "Ducks In A row".  just ahead I saw a circle of five or six just hanging out an discussing the weather and how bad the fishing is.  Over to the right there was a big group trying to get organized, I think.  All of a sudden as if a command was given, they all turned West and started swimming like they were running from something or else to something.  That is the shallow end of the Lake.  Better feeding I presume.  Then just as sudden, they all turned and started up stream. 
getting to the middle they broke up in groups again, except they left one lonely duck behind.  I watched feeling sorry for him when in the far distance behind him, I saw her.  (I think it was "her".  )  They swam together and seemed to say, don't feel sorry for us.  O. K. I want but I know spring is coming pretty soon, maybe being a romantic, I hope they get together.  End of story. but not for publication please.

Betty Boop

OBSERVATIONS

I read somewhere that it takes a lot of living to reach old age. Well I guess I have lived a lot, because I  am fast approaching the ripe old age of 87.  Can't believe it.  Never thought I would make it--in fact I never thought much about the fact that I was traveling along, headed that way.  My thoughts were of being a little two year old and being the apple of my  parents eye.  I was dressed up like a doll all the time and "made over" by everyone.  I remember that.  I always seemed special to those around me.  I was so small and cute and smiled a lot.  I remember that.  I also remember never having to worry about being taken care of, even though I know now that my parents struggled during the "Depression" years.  Life was simple then.  I could even walk to downtown or ride the bus and not worry about safety.  Even when the WW11 went on, I was in the dark about what was happening.  On to work and marriage I had stability.  Wonderful memories of raising a family were made.  I know I have not achieved great things, things any one would remember but time did march on while my life unfolded and all of a sudden it seems ---I AM OLD.  How did I get here?  And why?  But Hey! here I am still going.  I am not depressed.  Nothing like that.  Just amazed.

Betty Boop

SUGAR CLEANSING

After reading Amy's blog this morning, I decided I needed to throw away some of these sweet devils I have gathered like they were needed provisions.  Of course I must keep it a secret from my good friends here, but out goes that giant Hershey Bar with almonds {groan{ two boxes of Russell Stover chocolates, milk chocolate truffles, peanut butter fudge, Bourbon balls, fruit cake.  Hey wait that has fruit in it.  Yes and lots and lots of sugar.  Out it goes too.  Now I saved a cocoon cookie and some plain sugar cookies that can be doled out one at a time when needed,  How sad, to throw away gifts but it is for my best.  Thank you Amy for giving me the courage and strength to do it.  We both will be better off.  Of course I must work off the treats I have already eaten.  I too just had a physical am waiting for results of blood test.  Wish me luck too..

Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS DAY

We had a wonderful day at Jan and Tommy's house.  With our little new member it was fun.  MG. is getting good at the turkey.  So tender and juicy.  Everything was perfect.  We have some good cooks for sure.  Starting tomorrow--I am cutting back big time.  I have so enjoyed the sweets and I know better, but I have overdone everything.  Anyway, that is part of Christmas.  I can't wait to start to undecorated.  I started too soon and now I am tired of it all.        Well I hope you all have a good New Year and everything will turn out the way you plan.  

Betty Boop

hello

CHRISTMAS GIFT   Gotcha!!!!

Christmas Eve

Can't believe it.  I have been thinking of past Christmas Eves.  I still remember as a child--it would never come.  There is no feeling like a child's.  So fresh and expectant.  I never remember learning about St. Nick and is he real?.  I guess I still partly still believe.  Because he stands for love and giving and we all believe in that.  Big FRIED CHICKEN  NIGHT.  That brings to mind my Mother.  She dearly loved having Christmas Eve at her house.  How she did all that so long I do not know.  She loved us all so much and in my later years, I know how much of her good influence she had on me.  I was blessed but like all children, I had to grow up to realize it.  I love my family too and am looking forward to being with you all.

Christmas Gift!!  {another learned tradition]
Betty Boop

SATURDAY

Usually Jan comes on Saturday but too much to do has taken it's toll. Christmas is almost here and everyone is busy.  I delivered my last "happie this morning.  Every time I open the door I find a happie for me.  Too bad most of it is sweet.  I am having a hard time with self control  My goodness I must at least taste it all.  How can I thank them if I did not at least taste it?  Poor excuse!
  I just got a huge naval orange--my what a relief.  Everyone is so nice to give so much and I am blessed.

Betty Boop

ALL DONE!!

With Vince Gill singing to me, I am relaxing because I am done with my shopping.  Of course the dishes I am to prepare for Christmas Eve and Day are not done yet/  Unless you count the KFC  Corneal-  He had better be ready when I call for the traditional fried chicken for Christmas Eve. 

Every time  I open the door, somebody has left a "Happie" for me.  So much fun.  Amy took me to my favorite place to shop for gifts this  morning--  ANTHROPOLOGIE.  It was fun and hard .  I was pleased with my purchases.  I saw a blouse I liked a lot.  Amy said to buy it.  It cost so much more than I am used to.  She said consider it from Truman.  That sealed it.  M. G. met us back here for lunch.  We sat outside on the terrace to eat.  So mild, but rain is in store for tonight.  A lot I hear.  It is just too warm for December. 

Later.
Betty Boop 

TOO BUSY

Dear readers. however you are. even I f  you are there, I have been too busy.  It does not seem that what I do could take all my time.  But I am exhausted.  I hear this everywhere I go.  It should not be that way or even feel that way.  But being human --it is.  I was too excited for our Choir program.  I think it was O. K.  Everyone said it was.  Tommy, Jan, Amy, and M. G. came.  Bless them.  Yesterday I went with Irene to her Christmas party.  They told me there that she might not go without a family member.  Can't blame her.  It was such a joy to go with her.  She enjoyed it and sang every song and ate great refreshments.  It was a beautiful party.  All the sisters, even Sister Dorothea and Mary Margaret and head of St. Dom's and so many more came to make it festive.  I was impressed.  My sweet little new friend, Eva, was sick and could not come.  I hope she is better today.  I am busy delivering all these cinnamon trees and stars.  Lord help me, why did I make so many.  I am glad for so many friends.  Little "hap pies" are showing up at my door and am thrilled to be remembered.  I am taking this day to try to finish delivering my gifts.

Betty Boop

Sunday

Church was good and upsetting too.  I must get my act together.  Believe me, I am trying.  Filling my thoughts and actions with so many great things, I should be O. K.  I will keep trying.  Full day.  Our Choir is singing tonight for Christmas.  Can't wait.  I love being a part of that group.  We share a lot of fun and hard work.  Lunch with Amy's lids always is good.  Even though I don't join in the conversation much, I am enjoying the fun and delightful banter that goes on.  Something good is to be said by just listening. 

Betty Boop

Company for Lunch

Peggy and Jan came to lunch.  She looks so good and I am so glad.  We enjoyed talking and eating together.  I can't believe it is almost Christmas.  I do not do as much gift giving as I used to and it is a little easier.  Jan said Karen and Kathy and families are going to come for Christmas Eve dinner.  I am looking forward to that.  We will miss Jack this year and Truman too.  Fried chicken will be on the tap as usual.  And a host of other good things.  My we eat too much.  But so good once in a while to have special things.  But the best part is being a "big" family together.  Right?  Yes. 

Betty Boop

FELL LIKE A MILLIOMAIRE

I just got back from our employees' Christmas party.  Food and music and the best part. I was delighted to be one of the givers of the gift  checks to our appreciated employees.  We have the best in the world.  They were all so  happy to receive generous checks.  I  felt blessed to do it.  I still have a hard time believing I live in such a wonderful place.  Thanks to Truman and to the good Lord, I am cared for.  Just wanted to share my Joy with someone.  Thanks for reading.

Betty Boop

P. S. for yesterday

I said bake at 300   I meant to say 200 degrees.  My whole apartment smells good.  mamaw

CINNAMON CHRISTMAS

I promised myself I would not get into such a detailed project.  When Amy suggested \this for me to give my friends I liked it a lot.  Now my apartment smells so like Christmas.  Cinnamon, applesauce, and  get ready--Elmer's glue come together with this wonderful dough that you roll out and cut like cookies.  I used Christmas tree and star cutters.  Put them on a baking tray and either let them dry for three days or oven at 300 degrees for about three hours.  I have already made two dozen and am making two to three dozen more.  You punch a hole with a straw to tie a ribbon and tag of greeting and your name.  They are going to be a hit (I hope)  because they smell so good and can hang anywhere.  Thank you Amy.  I needed you.  People still tell me they have kept my little coffee filter Angels and my beaded candy canes that I made the last two Christmases.  I can't believe it has been this long.  It seems like only yesterday that Truman and I were preparing for everyone to come.  I do the best I can and these new friends I have made, make it all worthwhile. 

Must go to an extra Choir practice in a little while.  We want to sing pretty for you.  Then back to making cinnamon trees and stars. 

Betty Boop

MERRY MONDAY

It was "merry' alright.  A little too much so.  I spent the morning signing gift checks for  the employees.  With three of us who could sign and they had to be co-signed, for 360 checks, well it took a long time.  I got hungry since it was one when we finished.  I rushed to eat lunch and had to be at an early choir practice at one thirty.  We were having a Christmas party at two thirty.  Went on the bus to the garden houses where this nice choir member opened her beautiful house to us.  It was so nice.  Food and wine was great.  Since I do not drink much anymore, the wine really hit me.  Only a half a glass sent me home like a rag.  I skipped church and dinner with friends and just relaxed.  I have been trying too hard to do too much.  As much as I hate it--I will have to pace myself better.  ZI decided not to go to the great Top O Dom party that The Sisters put on for us.  It is so nice and to see Jackson lit up at night from the top of St. Dominic's makes our city look large.  I have been to this party two years and I decided I did not want to go this time.  A day of rest and no pressure tonight should go a long way to get me going again. 

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

Cold and wet.  On the outside.  Warm and friendly in the inside.  Church was special today.  Amy and her committee outdid themselves.  It was beautiful.  Lunch with M. G. and Ryan at Biaggi"s That's Italian you know.  It was busy.  I had corn, lobster bisque.  It really was good and hit the spot.  Went to visit Truman and left beautiful Christmas flowers.  On to St. Cathrine's to rest and then to visit my usual friends in Seania.  I took Eva and Middie  little hand made angels like I made a couple of years ago out of coffee filters.  They are so cute and delighted them both.  I went to see Irene also.  Amy picked Ruby and me up to go to hear our Choir in their cantata.  It was called an APPALACHIAN WINTER.  Beautiful music with a small orchestra.  It filled the church with beautiful sounds.  We have a small choir with a few invited guest and they sounded really big.  I overheard a guest say if you did not have the Christmas spirit before--you have it now.  Music is so important to worship I think.  Well, what for today?  I am helping to sign the Christmas  gift checks to our employees.  They deserve it and I am proud to do this.  Then choir (with a choir party)  then Methodidt Church service and dinner with friends.  Life is good.

Thank You Lord
Betty Boop

SATURDAY

The weather outside is frightful.  The fire is so delightful.  Yes we have a fireplace in the lobby and it does not put out heat.  looks inviting but not warm.  I miss Truman enjoying bringing in wood and having a fire each night.  Just at night as we were not prone to just sit in front of the fire or TV during the day.  No not us.  We had to be doing something constructive !!  Not a bad thing really.  He always got a lot done.  I sort of would be hot and cold on that issue.  But you know what--I feel guilty just wasting time now.  Of course wasting time means a lot of things.    End of sermon.  Cold wet and staying that way.  Church will be good this morning and the choir will sing tonight.  I am looking forward to that.  I have heard a lot of great programs here this season and I have loved it all but our choir at church is small but so good.  Jan came yesterday We always enjoy catching up.  They were babysitting last night to let Cary and David shop.  Then fixing dinner for them.  Now that is my kind of love. on both sides.

Got to go get ready for Church.  Another good habit.  When I was growing up there was never a question of not going to church.  I am glad for my upbringing.  It sustains me now.  

Betty Boop

LET IT SNOW?

Is that really what we want?  Not the South, because we do not know what to do with it!!  It is really gloomy outside.  But in "the halls"  it is looking good.  I just love the different approach to Christmas people have.  There is elegance, tradition, beauty", nothing"for some, and then there is me.  I have my collection of Angels out.  Some from different countries and States and 10 cent store , home made, cracked and mashed and all mine.  My little tree is the same.  It would not be Christmas without the bear with three legs, smashed baby doll, those from Holland, Russia, Hawaii , Germany. The Holy Land, gifts from children and many more.  All mean something to me.  Let others decorate a beauty and elegant tree and I will enjoy them. but mine is beautiful to me. Let us all remember the reason for the season.

Betty Boop
P. S. Do not forget the beautiful music.  I have a good collection.

PRESSURE

Even as I write this, I know it sounds stupid.  But I feel pressure all around.  I used to get sick after Christmas every year.  Too much to do and trying to do it all.  My little world has shrunk for sure but it feels fuller than ever.  Sometime I feel I have completely missed the point of Christmas, yet that is not true.  How do I get off this Merry-Go-Round?  The same way I always do--just be still and wait.  Sounds simple?  But it is hard to do.  I want to be so much to so many.  My little new friend Eva that I visit down in Seana said to someone who sat near us as I visited her, that I was the best friend she has.  O my, she is so sweet and I thinks I am drawn to her because she reminds me of my own Mother.     This is nothing new.  I will be fine.  I think a lot of people get sad at Christmas. 

Betty Boop

THIS AND THAT

This weather is strange.  Wet one day cold the next and then warm again.  Mississippi?  We always have trouble changing seasons.  The lights are all lit up here and we are now a "Village of Lights"  So very pretty and I am proud to be a part of decorating.  My little rag tag tree is up.  It holds so many old memories.  My entrance is again overdone.  Just had to put up all I own.  THE VILLAGER JUST CAME OUT.  I had two short stories and an interview.  I did of a new resident. Feels good to be "published"  Now I have two new assigned to me for next month.  Also a poem.  I love feeling needed.  Now we are working hard on the Christmas music from my choir.  We are pretty good for old "has been" singers.  The display case in the lobby is filled with Santa's residents brought to display.  You know my old Santa from the 60's and from Ben Franklin 5 & 19 store?  He had a price sticker of $1.25.  He never looked so good in the spot light.  The honey man is coming today from Raymond,  He comes twice a year.  Hand bells from Colonial Heights
was last night. I was too tired to go.  St. Joseph's choir tonight  So many things every day.  I can not do it all.  But you can see I try.

Betty Boop

WHAT A WEEKEND!!!!

We had a whop-t-do!  (I just created a new spelling to a good time)  I can't remember another Thanksgiving like it.  When I walked into Ryan and M. G,'s house and saw the loooooooog table I almost lost it because Truman came to me so strong.  He would have loved it.  He always wanted long tables with children mixed in and everyone together.  I have a good story about that and some of you have heard it.  Of course it starts me thinking of the past and how yet it is in  the past it is all still with us.  I thought I was going to be all right this Christmas but I am slipping a little.  Must be careful not to be too sad.  It did my heart good to see everyone having such a good time.  Mission accomplished Truman!!!!!. Wish we could celebrate with tea in our Betty Boop cups--Me the top and you the bottom half of the cups. 

When I need it--I go to Philippians 4: 12-13.  One that has helped me a lot.

Betty Boop