SHOULD HAVE STAYED AT HOME

With exercise class canceled and Choir practice also. due to the BIG bridge tournament, I felt free to GO.  I decided I would go to the North Park Mall.  Besides walking till I was exhausted-I could not find  a single thing that I could not do without!!!  I ate at Chick-fil-A.  Even that was not as good as I remembered. dragged  my tired old bones home and went to bed.  O.K.--I embellish a little but I guess I did not need anything anyway.  Our Choir is singing for the senior group at Madison Methodist Church tomorrow.  I get to ride the bus.  Whoopee!!!!Should be fun.  Shirley said to wear colorful colors--Easter colors.  Now I will have to agonize over "what to wear"  I should know by now that should not be a problem.  Just so I find something that fits.  I have put on a few pounds.  Alas.Alas, what else is new?        Well, DANCING WITH THE STARS tonight.  O boy. they sure don't worry about what they wear since it is such a small subject!!!!!Hey  am getting silly so I will close.

Betty Boop

EASTER DECORATIONS

If only I would just decorate and then leave it alone!!  Nooooo  I think I have to use everything I have related to the subject.  I really did have a few things that made the cut this year and it does look better.  (If I leave it alone.)  I think the Easter stuff is so cute and I like my old things.

Three years ago today--in one way Truman left us.  In some ways he is still here.  I wish I could understand all that he does now.  Will have to wait I know.  Why do we put importance on dates when something important happened.?  I felt sad this morning as I relived the day.  I played old Cd's.  I waltzed to The Tennessee Waltz.  And yes I danced with his pillow and cried.  I have not cried this way in a while.  It was a relief and acceptance too.  Crying is good.  Just don't do it too much and too often.  I have come a long way and I am proud of that.  Forgive me for sharing this.

Betty Boop

COMPANY YEH!!

They probably don't want to be called company.  Amy and M. G. had lunch with me and we ate in the Cafe.  They make good tuna salad sandwiches.  The tomato is starting to taste  pretty good. We had a nice visit and then Amy took me to The Dollar Tree.  I bought plastic Easter eggs.  Somehow, mine either were lost or just gave out.  I needed some to do my Easter display at the beginning of my hall. I just love that store.  Doing my laundry and exercise class was about it for today.  Lame?  Yes it is.  I have a poem chasing around in my head.  I wish it would slow down so I can write it down.  It is a poem for next month.  I have the idea but it wont jell yet.  I am calling it DUCKY LOVE.  For some reason I keep observing ducks!!!  Maybe I will send it out when I finish.  Maybe not.  I may have to get another Spring subject. 

Are you tired of Irish sayings?.  Just a couple more and then I will stop.

May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and Heaven accept you.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.  ------   I promise I have more but for now--I will stop. And all God's children said?  Amen!!

Betty Boop

Brrrrrrrrr IT IS COLD

I will have to admit that I am ready for the weather to make up  its mind.  Cold again tonight and warming up over the weekend.  Not like Boston?  O my how do Ashley and Bryan stand it?  Because they are looking forward to a  pleasant summer, not like our summers. .

M. G. and Ryan came to visit and to bring me a large sack of potting soil.  Now I am ready when the weather is ready.

IRISH SAYING FOR THE DAY:  May those who love us, love us, and those who don't love us, may God turn their hearts;  and if he doesn't turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles, so we will know them by their limping!!  Ha Ha?

Betty Boop

LITTLE BIT IRISH??

Running a bit late with these Irish sayings.  I have a few so I will feed them to you slowly.

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.  And Who keeps his tongue, keeps his friends.  And finally (for today), Loose an hour in the morning and you'll be looking for it all day.  Oh I have a few more.  Maybe tomorrow I will write a few more.  I just love them.

Spring is a little timid this year.  Maybe it usually is and I forget, but I predict it will be stable after Easter.  I would like to plant some flowers but it will be best to wait.  My good friend, Betty R. grew up in Fondren and we talk about Brents' Drugs and how we love the olive-egg salad sandwich they are known for.  She makes the best and even better than Brents' She brought me some this morning.  My sandwich made with whole wheat toast and a little lettuce took me back to a counter stool for a while.  She is so thoughtful.

Choir practice in a little while and then Methodist Church and then dinner with friends.  Gosh I love this place if only T.  was with me--it would be complete.

Berry Boop

SATURDAY

Jan came to eat lunch.  Nice on the Terrace.  Others joined us so we did not have it alone as usual.  I guess everyone loves  Spring weather.  Before we know it we will be complaining that it is too hot.  We got into a chore I have been needing to do. Does paper consume you?  Afraid to throw away stuff?  It has happened to me.  We went through a lot of old paper work and discarded a lot.  We got tired and postponed the rest till the mood hits again.  Things do look better. 

I made a funny soup today.  I did not have tomatoes or potatoes.  Just cooked chicken, onion, celery, carrots, and left over veggies.  I added Lima beans, green beans, canned corn  and a secret ingredient.  Cole slaw!!.  It did not have any dressing in it--just cabbage (two kinds)  carrots and  a left over dinning room soup.  Tomato sauce and tomato soup.  Now what would you call it?  O yes, whole wheat spaghetti.  Yum Yum, Think I will have a big old bowl for supper.

I like this quote I read this morning,.  "Thankfulness lifts you up above your circumstances." 
It works,  Try it.

Betty Boop

FALSE SPRING

As I sat on the balcony while having my apartment cleaned, I was reading my current romantic//historical novel.  Such perfect temperature.  I stopped and listened to how many sounds I heard.\\First the ducks quacking away. the birds were all singing a different song, yet they blended like a choir.  I heard people talking softly below me on their  balcony, in a friendly visit with their glasses of iced tea(I guess) clinking,, I heard wing chimes swaying softly in the breeze.  All such beautiful promises of spring.  I want to plant my pots full of color but I know it is a little too soon. Easter is late this year and I think we are not safe from frost till after then.  I will wait but how nice to sit and listen to the signs of Spring.

Betty Boop














as

LOOK MOM,NO CAVITIES

Most of my readers may not remember the commercial where the child runs in and says "Look mom no cavities!!  A toothpaste commercial I think.  Well I had a good checkup, he said I have good teeth. If he only knew how little I had to do with good teeth.  As a child, I hated milk--would pour it down the sink at every chance,  I did not care for the good foods that made strong teeth either.  As a young adult, I neglected my teeth.  When I had children I really changed and towed the line to good tooth hygiene and have had good success since.    However he wants to cap a tooth that is cracked (old age I think).  I will baby it a while since it is giving me no trouble. 

That's my morning so far--next a nap.

Betty Boop

BUSY DAY

The funeral for Woody brought back a lot of bittersweet memories.  It reminded me of how much a good family can mean.  The generation of young men who went to war were the best.  I think it made most of them good husbands and fathers, because they learned what it meant to be dedicated and true to their families.  One large party in heaven just now--the generation is together again. 

Betty Boop

IRISH PUB

I did go to the St. Paddy Days party here.  I felt like Catholic when I had to ask for forgiveness of Rob.  Because he led the Methodist Church time here at the same time of the party.  He said if he would have had the choice he would have chosen the party too.  It was a little crazy as some really got into the spirit with all the green wigs and hats and other green stuff.  But the singing was fun.  I just love the old Irish songs.  Choices--choices--we do have many every day.  I do make a few good ones--I like to think.

Betty Boop

Top 'O The Mornin to Ya!!

Just could not wait to say that.  I really do remember and enjoyed our trip to Ireland.  It is true everything is so green there.  When you fly into the airport everything below is so pretty.  One place I wanted to go back to visit, but there were so many other places we wanted to see.  Of course everyone here  is wearing green.  Well if they aren't, they may get pinched.  I don't look forward to that so I am wearing green and a shamrock  pin I bought in Ireland.  Paddy's Irish Pub will be open this afternoon, with  Irish Beer, wine coolers, chips, water and Irish songs.  Can't get in unless you are wearing green.  I might "look" in.   Maybe not.  We will be practicing at Choir.  Fill you in later.

Betty Boop

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Fast weekend but busy.  We enjoyed Linda's visit although it was short, we made the most of it.  We enjoys LARGE shrimp at Jan and Tommy's house.  Paul and Sophie, Linda, Amy and Ed, Jan and Tommy David and Cary and Brody and me.  After Church we went to Sal and Phil's seafood house.  Baxck art the Beach?  Not the same but close.  Linda  is on the way home now and hope she can come back soon.  We all get to eat well when she is here. 

Sad note:  Woody Ellis died early this morning.   He was at the VA hospital in Kosciusko  and it was expected but still not ready to loose the last member of his generation in the Ellis family.  He will be missed. 

Betty Boop

COMPANY-A-COMMING

As I sit here at 9, Linda is on the road for a short weekend visit.  I know she is,  has been on the road early because she is alone. (Joseph went to visit his mother and family). They decided to each see their family at the same time.  Works for them.  We are looking forward to seeing her.  She will stay with me.  Jan, Cary and Cary's constant companion, Brody, are coming for lunch with Linda and me.  We do love a party, big or small. Should be fun and Brody always draws a crowd.  Don't know what else we will do but we will enjoy having her here.  Parker had a soccer game and could not come.  Maybe next time for him.  Well off to the day.

Betty Boop
P. S. I do love comments!!Who doesn't ? 

read my Easter poem for the Villager

• EASTER BUNNY

A Tisket -A Tasket,

A pretty Easter basket.

Filled with many a treat.

All delicious and sweet.

 

Every color of Jelly Beans.

Pink, yellow, purple and green.

Marshmallow rabbits and yellow chicks.

Just take your pick.

 

Best of all-the chocolate bunny.

But wait--he looks kind of funny.

The best part is gone it appears,

For he stands alone--minus his ears.

 

Dot Ellis

Creative Writers Group   2014

GOOD DAY

Doris Jones, Mississippi Poetry Society winner of Poet of the Year 2011, talked at our Creative Writers Group, yesterday.  I am proud to say I already know her.  She is a friend of Amy's at Madison Methodist Church.  I have heard her read before and have her books.  We really enjoyed her as she is a good speaker and teacher.  Our little group really does not have much know how and we are just enjoying reading our "stuff" to each other.  We really need some direction.  Of course this scares me,  as I know I am flying by the seat of my pants and what I write just pleases me with no clue that it is proper or correct..  Better be careful or I will loose  my creativity or desire to write.  Yet it would feel good to know some real helpful things.  She made us all feel good about what  we write,  she had us write for her and then read it.  It was fun but  I was a little intimated and almost excused myself.(I am not kidding)   I had a very short time to write what she told us to and sometime it takes a month for me to compose a poem.  But you know what?  I came home and wrote this Easter poem I had been worrying over for a few days in just 15 minutes.  Got the juices going I guess.  Of course "Dot" fashion--it is silly and funny but everyone has their own style.  As Doris says, these stories are in floating above us, just pull them down.  I know I enjoy writing them down. 

Betty Boop

SLOW FEW DAYS

Well not real slow but uneventful would describe it better.  You would just as soon not hear uneventful I know.  Just enough to keep up with world news and here at home they are having an election for a new Mayor.  So far 7 have stepped up to the election plate.  Should be a real good show.  I am out of that now,  not-being,, for the first time in my life, a citizen of Jackson.  Funny feeling, as I still feel a part of Jackson.    Oh yes, Linda is coming this weekend.  Joseph  is going to visit his Mother.  Linda might bring Parker.  That will be fun for us all.    I am still having a little trouble adjusting to the time change.  I know it is very cloudy this morning, but even at 7 it is still a little dark.    Must go a start this "uneventful" day/  Who knows--it may be very eventful..  I will tell you if it turns out that way.

Betty Boop

Oh! What a Beautiful Day

Makes you want to sing it is so beautiful.  I went to Walgrees's for a change.  It was nice but it is not
Walmart.  The outside patio at the Cyber was full of people eating lunch and enjoying the sun. Jan did
not get to come today, and I did not see anyone I wanted to tangle with, I just brought my turkey burger
back up here and ate on my own balcony.  Such a pretty view with the Lake and all the grounds.  They
are coming alive with blooming trees  Soon it will really be Spring.  Oh yes "spring" forward and set
your clock forward an hour before you go to bed tonight.  Be on time for Church. 

I have an interview to type and send in and I am putting it off.  I hate that part of the job.  I have it written.
 Just hate to type it.  I am always afraid I will make a mistake.  I have one more interview to do before the
20th.  I will do it next week.  I also have an Easter poem to write.  While I have a subject in mind, It has not
jelled yet.  So you see how my time goes.  So glad to have something to keep my mind working.  I may

dodge Campbell Cove yet.             Betty Boop

VEGGIE TIME

One of my favorite  places is open for the season.  Freshway on Old Canton Road.  I  heard it was open and went to shop this morning.  It used to be a little hard to shop for two, but even harder for one.  You just tend to buy too much.  I bought tomatoes and decided to surprise three of my friends and bring them some tomatoes too.  I just put sacks at three doors.  Wont they be excited.?  I am now cooking a small portion of squash and green beans.  I will have baked sweet potato and tomato and a small slice of cornbread.  Care to join me?  As summer comes, everything will be grown more locally and be even better.  For now I will take it as is. 

Betty Boop

P. S. The tomatoes came from Florida and I had a slice on a sandwich for lunch--it was good but they will be better soon.

CLEAN SWEEP

I just packed up Mardi Gras stuff.  Oh what a relief it is to get that gaudy stuff put away.  I get carried away and just about overdo my decorations at times.  Next is St. Patrick's Day.  I, as usual, put the cat doll, the old , old, sock monkey that Truman's mom made and another  doll out on a small table with little green hats on.  They look as if they have had too much Irish coffee.  On the other table  tissue flowers in a green vase.  Sprinkled about is shamrocks.  What next?  I may be asked to leave.  Think that will happen./  I sure hope not. Where else could I go?

Betty Boop

CHAPTER 3 and last one

I promise this is the last you will hear from me today.  I am partied out.  Lunch highlight was banana foster. 
Real fire!!  The lunch was good but the finish was outstanding.  I went straight and had a 30 minute power nap and then went to the vendors.  All real good but I did not see anything I could not do without.  I went to Siena to Irene's party.  Now they know how to put on a party. Kay is wonderful.  They had decorated to the hilt.  We were given mask to wear and served pineapple sherbet and purple something to drink.King cake  NO not wine. A Polish accordion  player who played the piano too. really got with it.  He had lots of folks swaying in their wheelchairs. It was heartwarming to watch some of them come to life almost and enjoy the music.  I was really touched.  I missed the last music at my place.  Howard Jones played Dixie Land music on his trumpet and they served pralines.  Could have skipped the music but I wanted a praline.  (you know I needed it).  I have come home at last --tired and decorated with many beads and full of music.  Here's to FAT TUESDAY.  and on to Ash Wednesday.  Where else can one go but here to have so much activity and not even leave the building.?  No place that I know of.  So here's to Sr. Catherine's too.

Betty-pooped-Boop

APPLE ? BEIGNETS

I just got back from the first phase of Mardi Gras celebration.  I think it is the best part.  THE MADISON CENTRAL BRASS BAND played and we had coffee and apple beignets.  Not exactly New Orleans style but our style here.  They were very good but the music was great.  Terry Miller still leading strong.  I watched the drummers closely.  I guess they have not had one like Bryan since he left because they did not exactly give them  the spot light the way they  did Bryan.  I wish I could here him solo again.  It was a thrill I will always remember.  But the highlight was when they played WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN of course.  Many marched and swayed as they did when they were young.  Kind of got the blood pumping.  I am now waiting to go to the special lunch.  Tell you later about that.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY AND MONDAY

Amy told about Sunday at Church.  It really was good and I enjoyed the music.  Lunch at Mr. Chen's with Ryan &M. G &Paul, Sophie & Amy.  Good company.  Today was too full.  Exercise class, Villager staff meeting with new jobs to do. lunch, nap, Choir practice, Methodist Church service and dinner in dining room with regular group.  I feel tired now and I will take a bath and watch T V and read.  Tomorrow is a full day here with Mardi Gras celebrations of different kinds so I will get tired again.  Thank goodness for a good nights sleep (I hope) and I will be good to go again.  More about tomorrow after it happens.

Betty Boop 

HIGHLIGHT of the DAY

I haven't been out of here since last Sunday, so Jan and I went to THE DOLLAR TREE.  Wow. what fun on a Saturday afternoon.  I needed tissue flowers supplies.  I wish I knew how many I have made.  I made a bowl of Mardi Gras colored flowers to decorate the hall table I am responsible for.  It looks pretty good with beads and coins and my French doll.  The store was full of shoppers. 

Jan and I had fun going through my storage cage looking for my High School annual.  I seem to  have misplaced it.  Can't find it yet.  Jan said it is somewhere.  Does anyone out there remember anything about it?  We found Truman's Navy album and I spent a long time this afternoon looking through it.  What a life for  a 21 year old sailor who had never been away from Mississippi before to be sent around the world.  I think he made the most of it.  Made him what he was.  I am glad he wrote about it.  Read   it again sometime.  I think you would appreciate it more since you are all older.  That was his wish that you knew that part of his life. 

Betty Boop