NOT NICE TOO BRAG

I just got the current issue of THE VILLAGER.  I had two stories in it.  One about graduation and one about the rescue of baby duck.  Both real stories.  I hope to write poems next.  I have a few ideas.  That is the way they start.  Ideas run around in my head till I gather them and write them down.  Then try to make them rhyme.  Sometime I have to give up and just make them into a story, which is all right.  Jan came and we ate on the terrace but had to retreat under the eves because it started to sprinkle.  But it was fun.  While we were there Jan got a text with a picture of Brody at Chick=Fillet.  He looked so happy.  Don't blame him, I like it there too.  I bet he will enjoy the children at Gulf Shores. 
two weeks and counting. 

Betty Boop

P. .S:  I  have a CD playing.  Songs of 1946.  I bought it because I love that music and because it end with THE OLD LAMP LIGHTER.  You may not know it but it is a story about a couple sitting in the park at night when the lamps get lit by the old man they call the Lamplighter.  Truman and I called it "our song", because we would walk downtown every night because we had run out of movies to see.  That was our entertainment. .  He did not have a car then.  We would sit in the Smith park downtown and just "visit." and talk about everything.  It was kind of dark but not completely.  You can not sit there anymore.  It would not be safe.  So sad that we  have to worry about our safety so much now.  Anyway==Excuse me while I go now and shed a few tears.  I am not sad, just sweet memories.

MaMaw

70th ?????

Well, I am back from my 70th High School Reunion luncheon,  They said it would be our last one.  Sad.  It is uncertain the number who were in our class.  In 1944, the war was going on.  We had some graduated with us from the class before us.  Going to summer school to finish before they went to war.  Some got diplomas for joining the service.  Over 400 was counted.  294 have died and some unaccounted for.  So it is down to 50 at the reunion, with a few of that number were spouses.  So it really does not matter the number, as long as you still have the memories.  The food was great at the Jackson Country Club.  Everyone looked pretty good for 86 or 87.  I was not too embarrassed with my looks.  I looked as good as most.  The girl voted Most Beautiful was looking very good still.  I guess you have to start with the good genes.  Anyway, I am a little tired, emotionally.  The entertainment was a guy singing "oldies" of our times.  I enjoyed that.  Music was so important to us all during the war.  The songs had such meaning.  Pictures were made.  Northside Sun took some for the paper.  All in all---BIG Day.  So be it.

Betty Boop

WHY OH WHY????

I had an appointment for 9:30 this morning.   With my Dermatologist . I hurried to be a little early because it looked like rain.  Arrived at 9:15.  He saw me at 10:45.  He was training a new person and I guess he was doing a good job.  O well, everything is O. K. and now I can start the treatment on another part of my face.  He claims I have severe sun damage.  Makes no sense. I have always avoided the sun. except I did not remember being diligent about sun screen.  He really stressed sun screen. 

Now another biggie tomorrow.  My High School Reunion.  O boy, I look so old.  More so every day.  I can see it.  But everyone there is the same age so maybe it wont be too bad. 

Betty Boop

JUST CHECKING

I checked the daily calendar to see what is up for today:  Exercise of course.  Then I-POD workshop.  My goodness who needs that?  Some of the more savvy residents I guess.  More power to them.  Face book, Twitter. and whatever is beyond me.  Don't need the stress.  I am glad they have not outlawed e-mail, because I get that.  And I do learn something new now and then about how to better use it. 

At coffee I heard something sad--only two of our baby ducks have survived.  Two mothers had nest, one with 13 and the other 6.  The turtles I suppose got all but 3.  After all that devotion, I wonder if mother ducks feel a loss?  I don't know about her, but we are sad.  I just can't write about that.

The Great American hot dog is the featured in the Cyber today.  Do I have one?  Yes but  I will balance it with steamed veggies.

It is almost time for a count down till BEACH WEEK!!I just talked to a friend who spent the long weekend there and she said it was ready for us.  All right Let's do it.

Betty Boop

HI HO

HI HO

 

Hi Ho,  Hi Ho, Hi Ho.

 

As off to Wal-Mart I go.

A little stuff, I need to buy.

Oh dear I sigh.

 

For I will look. I will buy.

Bring it home, put it away.

Fall in bed with a sigh,

And look forward to another day.

 

A poem not for publication, only for my bloggers.  Betty Boop



FULL DAY

It all began when I woke at 6 this morning.  Cyber closed for the holiday so oatmeal for me.  I make it good by cooking it stove top and putting bananas and cinnamon in it.  That was o. k.  exercise class was also good.  I do love that coffee bunch.  You should hear the subjects we discuss and settle.  I had lunch, which was special for Memorial Day, with three others like me.  Come to think about it, they are all are pretty much alike.  The dinning room was full and overflowing.  Some had to wait.  Just like a famous restaurant.  We got in early.  Nap and then a mini concert by the choir (that's me you know)  and then we had a practice.  So it took up most of the afternoon.  We are getting ready for a concert in the early summer I think.  We are learning songs from SOUTH PACIFIC.  What fun songs and some very beautiful ones too.  I am tired and the Cyber is closed today and no dinner in the dining room, so pity me, I will have to fix something for myself.  Just kidding--I am glad I am able.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

Sunday's are still a little hard.  If I did not have Amy, what would I do?  Feel sorry for myself I guess.  At church today we had the service in the court  yard. We had a Dixieland trio who played. Bass, Trumpet and Guitar.  Songs like "I'll Fly Away", "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and When The Saints Go Marching In".  It was different but I enjoyed it.   Just Amy and me and we had lunch at Bravos and ate outside.  It was lovely.  Tomorrow is Memorial Day.  We will mark it with singing and a special lunch.  Yesterday I helped put up flags all over.  I like to do that.  They will stay up through the 4th of July. 

Hey Beech week is coming.  Get your tan started. 

Mother Teresa said:  "The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
                                                    Do good anyway."

Betty Boop

TO EXPLAIN----

The next two blogs were written minutes apart.  I thought the first did not go through, so I did another slightly different one.  Please read them both  Betty Boop

FRIDAY {already}?

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but the weeks do seem to fly by.  Yesterday was a sort of catch-up day.  You know what I mean?  Kind of do as you please day.  I ate my lunch on the balcony and watched the trees and sky and clouds.  You have heard of my live affair with the clouds, so I want bore you with that story. 

I am also mulling over an idea.  The library is sponsoring a contest.  The subject to write on is the mamas duck we all watched so closely. Since not many people write poems, I thought I would try to write one.  I have written so much about our ducks already.  I have a short essay coming in the next VILLAGER on mama Catherine duck.  It comes out June 1st.  I think I have a title and ideas in my head on what I want it to say, but my style is to rhyme and that is hard sometime.  I wish I could write different but I don't know enough about what is right to do it.  So I will just have to try.  You know the saying?--"Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway."    So off to "work I go."

Betty Boop

FRIDAY [allready?}

How dull can you get?, but the weeks fly by.  Yesterday was a sort of catch up day.  You know--do what you want to.  I ate my lunch on the balcony and enjoyed looking at the sky and clouds.  You know my story about clouds so I want tell it again. 

I am trying to get inspiration to write a poem for a contest here.  The subject is about the mama duck who built her nest in the Rose garden.  I have written so much about the ducks already--but how I would love to win this contest.  I have a title in mind and a few thoughts on what to say.  That is usually how I start.  So I have been taxing my brain{also good} and I will try.  Not many people write poems so maybe I can stand out.  You can also write an essay.  Since I already did that and it will come out in the VILLAGER the 1st of June, I decided on a poem.  Wish me luck.!!!!

Betty Boop  

 

Trouble follows

It seems fate is not with us (Amy and me) when we try to eat right.  We went to HIGHWAY 463 yesterday for lunch.  We headed outside to eat, because it was a pleasant day.  They were serving a big party inside.  Should have been warned by that.  We wanted their Blue Plate Special.  You know with good veggies .  Our order was taken in a while and water brought.  We sat and sat and waited.  Drank water, ate almonds that I always carry.  Finally Amy went to check.  A waitress who Amy knows came by and was surprised to see us still sipping water.  She was upset, and came to the rescue and sent our waiter out with an apology.  He said he must have lost our order and went quickly to fill a new one.  Amy's friend came and said our  meal would be "on the house".  Our waiter said the same.  So we were pleased at that.  Lunch was scarfed up and enjoyed.  Especially since we were their guest.  Our lunch last week was slow at City Grill.  Well maybe back to St. Catherine's for service.  We get tired of the food  and I like to eat away sometime.  Next time we will try Georgia Blue  --   but go early.  We went to Inside Story to shop for a graduation present.  I love that place.  Got something for Lucy, Candy's daughter. Then to grocery store and then home to NAP.

Betty Boop

MOTHERHOOD

It goes on and on.  I just saw an example.  I wish I knew what kind of birds I just saw.  Black with some orange and white (I think, as they were so quick).  A baby sitting on the rail of my balcony,  It's little head on a the watch.  Looking up and down sideways and searching the sky and ground.  All of a sudden a mama swooped in with something big and juicy.  And off she flew.  The process was repeated over and over as she tried to fill her baby up.  He, or she,  would call and plead all the time. Never giving Mom a break.  Sound like familia?  Finally they flew away.      Must go meet Amy downstairs,  We have a bit of shopping to do.

Later

Betty Boop

MORE EXCITEMENT !!!

Just bear in mind that it sometimes does not take much to excite me.  I have two beautiful tomato plants in pots on my balcony.  I must think of names for them, since I talk to them and examine them daily.  Now  one has 4 (count them) tiny tomatoes growing so fast, you can almost see the process.  The other has a bloom and is obviously a slow thinker.  The one with the tomatoes on "her", must be named.  Her name is Lady Catherine.  It fits her as she is beautiful and is such a lady.  Now the boy standing next to her is so strong, masculine, and looks protective.  So why is he slow to produce?  Beats me.  I named him Dexter.  If I had a son that is the name he would have been given.  Dexter Whitfield Ellis.  Did not happen so we named the last one Amy Lou.  HOW SILLY CAN I GET?

Well let me see.  I had something else good to happen.  My lunch was made up of left overs from pick up from the dinning room.  I had creamed corn {delicious}, turnip greens, pickled beets, and a baked chicken thigh--and my homemade cornbread.  I name this one fantastic!!.  Hey. lets top off the morning with a nap.  Oh yes I worked  in a walk in the halls and a little ironing and a shampoo.  Just  writing this makes me tired.  Nap Time.

Betty Boop

EXCITEMENT !!!!

Yes Ryan asked M. G, to be his partner for life.  She said yes.  At lunch yesterday, the wedding planners got in high gear and away they ran till they realized it was their wedding!!  But what Mother and sister worth their "salt" can keep from the excitement of planning a wedding for the ones they love. I am sure they will all be a lot of help.  I am excited for them and wish the best in the many years to come.  Oh to be just starting out together again!!  Enough.     

Something funny.  Yesterday was a dear friend's birthday.  She told me she would be 88.  I told her she was a little older than I am.  This morning she came in to Coffee and made a confession.  It seems at her birthday celebration (and it was a wonderful one) she said she was 88.  Her daughter declared=="Mama you were born in 1927 and you must be 87!!"  I teased her that I was older than her now, since I am already 87.  She had the biggest laugh of all.  Such a sweet lady.  I have known her a while. Oh what a happy place to live.  I sometime feel guilty. ---------but not for long!

Betty Boop

SATURDAY-- SO FAR

Rough night!! Could not get comfortable.  I even tried Truman's side and that famous pillow that I kiss good night.  Nothing worked.  I ached all over and was convinced I was getting sick.  I finally took the sugar reading--not too bad at 98.  Not enough to cause this problem.  I took two aspirin (call me in the morning), and finally went to sleep.  Beats me what was wrong.  I just must get over the feeling that I will feel great all the time, even though I want to,  Boy when there is nothing to write about except ailments, I just need to shut up.  Oh no!!  I just said "shut up" and you know I never allowed that kind of language.  But it fit this time. 

Jan is coming and I will perk up fast.

Betty Boop  P.S.   " THANKFULNESS LIFTS YOU ABOVE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES"

ME

WAL-MART WHIPE OUT

I don't know why, but a trip to Wal-Mart just wipes me out.  Maybe it was  because it was too close to lunch and I got hungry.  I almost grabbed a candy bar but thought better of it.  I kept getting slower and slower.  I did make it home without a drop out but it was close.  I made a quick cheese sandwich and ate banana and watermelon.  I then took a nap and I am up and running now.  This diabetic stuff is hard to manage.  But you can't ignore it--it just wont go away till you address it.  I am reading a funny book called OVER WHAT HILL.  I could have written it myself.  It is real cute about the subject.  About a Retirement place like mine.  She really hit the nail on the head, so to speak.  Anyway, it is all funny  as Amy's blog indicates.

I met a lady in Wal-Mart who used to work where Truman was in Sienna,  It has been 3 years but she remembered him and said some nice things about him.  How sweet. She said they called him Mr. Entertainer.  I already knew that.  She was sweet to tell me.  It made my day.  You still can't go anywhere without meeting someone who knew him.  Now that is something,

Betty Boop

LUCKY DUCK--LUCKY MAMA DUCK--LUCKY ME

I just witnessed a small miracle!!!You know we have all  been watching Catherine the mama duck who had a nest in the rose garden.  She suffered through rain, storms, and heat and cold to hatch a dozen eggs yesterday.  We all were watching with wonder.  I went down to the Cafe at 7:30 to breakfast , only one on the hall, when I saw Mama duck with babies up by the window.  She was obviously very upset.  On looking I saw the reason.  One little duck had fallen in the drain through a grate.  I was so shocked.  I began to draw a crowd.  We got maintenance men All tried but could not get it open.  Meanwhile Mama and all of us were worried.  Over and over they tried and gave up.  Then another round of help including Sister Mary Margret and I think she brought office people and last of all the head CEO  Mary Margret Judy to the rescue.  They opened the grate with much to do and reached in to draw the baby out to the shouts of all.  It took the head lady down to 6 maintenance men and many inside giving advice  to get that job done.  You should have seen the baby when they released it--how it ran?  waddled fast to mama.  I cried for joy.  Several said to me that it would make a good subject for me to write.  I don't know if I could give it justice.  I am so happy for that mama and baby.  Now let us get them to the lake safely. 

Betty Boop

SUNDAY and WEEKEND

We all in the family had a good "mini" Gulf Shores.  At least that what Parker thought when we had breakfast on the balcony.(his idea.)  He said "just like Gulf shores.  Well it was great but there was much, much more.  The dedication of Brody by his parents to raise Brody in a Godly manner.  No matter what we call it--it means the same.  Raising a child this way is not easy today.  Maybe it has never been a time when it was easy.  But I bet little Brody is lucky to have the Mom and Dad that he does and the wide spread family who love him.

Paul and Sophia+++what can I say?  You both cease to amaze me.  Maybe you had some good "up bringing "  I think so.  Any way you are very generous to all of us.  Thank you.  And then did you realize I had all my daughters and their husbands to celebrate?  MY. MY. what more could I wish for on the beautiful Mother' Day?    Oh I know my tomato plants  have blooms!!!!Maybe I should not count my tomatoes before they grow and ripen?  Just kidding.

Betty Boop. 

RAINY DAY

Such a great weekend coming.  The rain will not bother us.  The dedication to God of Brody will be the centerpiece.  And rightly so.  Linda, Joseph and Parker are coming too.  They will stay with me.  I bought St. Catherine's cookies and boxed cereal.  I hope Parker likes Lucky Charms or Rice Crispies.  Also waffles or eggs and toast bacon , if he likes them All kinds of fruit are available..  It has been a while since I thought about what a big boy like Parker likes for breakfast--I am prepared. (I hope).  Lunch at Paul and Sophie's new home is going to be great.  So good of them and brave too, to  have such a big group.  We all do appreciate this. 

One mama duck has hatched her brood!!  All her eggs hatched except 3.  That is to be expected.  I did not get to see them but those who did said she led them straight to the Lake.  Isn't that wonderful?  I do hope a good number survive-----meanwhile "back at the ranch"  the Chapel duck still sits.  Having rolled a few bad one out, she was still  sitting this morning.  It must be close now.  I will keep you up to date.  Chance are slim that I will get to see the show.  The take the little ducks straight to the water.  With as many who are watching--someone will get the pleasure.  Hope it is me. 

How does Navy Bean soup and a small  salad made with a good tomato and cucumber sound? Well walk right in and I will be glad to share. For Lunch.

Betty Boop  P. S.  Did I tell you that one of my tomato plants has two blooms.  A tomato for you and one for me. 

PERFECT

The only word I can think of for the camping in the woods trip.  Perfect weather, good food (presented on time), good conversation. and a perfect little one to add to the mix.  Brody was a joy.  To see him enjoy his food was good.  All in all--it was part of my dream to have my children enjoy each other. (Another goal accomplished, Truman)  He really believed in family get-to-gethers.  Not every family has it so good.  Enough of that.         Mama duck is still sitting on her eggs.  I am getting concerned that it is all a lost cause.  I think she should be done.  I bet she does too.  Big Croquet Extravaganza going on.  It is well attended and looked forward to by many.  I love to watch it from my balcony.  They look great all dressed in white and cheering when a ball goes through the wicket.  Something for everyone.      Well I must get to the laundry.  I have been putting it off and it does pile up--even for one. Let me hear from you all.

Betty Boop

GETTING READY

I never in my dreams thought at the age of 87 I would be still camping.  Of course everyone makes it easy on me now.  There are perks for getting older.  My weather man promises a perfect prediction for the weather.  Hope he is right.  My to do list hasn't changed much.  Pills always TOPS the list.  I do make a list.  Things on the list I can not do without these days.  You know  pills, eye drops, books, reading glasses.  There will be lots of good food--some I can't eat anymore, but there is plenty that I can eat.  Should be fun to see Brody at his first camp out.  Wont be his last.  I can just see a tent in his backyard some day.  I bet we will have a campfire too.  Wish you all could come.  Well I have things to do and places to go----Lucky me. Can't wait for Tommy's pancakes!!  Bless him.

Betty Boop