MEMORIES--OLD AND NEW

You sigh-"there she goes again."  It is hard not to remember a lot when I was searching for a few old pictures of early camping trips.  My we have camped a lot.  As a family going on longer trips in the campers of different kinds.  As well as later just weekends --mostly Mother's Day trips.  Don't worry I am only taking a few on our current trip.  As I check off my "to do" list I am using one of Truman's bags to pack my clothes for the trip, I found 2 or 3 packs of sugar and a plastic spoon.  I remember he always carried back ups everywhere we traveled.  It is hard when you have so many memories, not to dwell on them.  Travel was a big part of our life. He wanted to see everything and to show it to his children too.  I am glad he planted the desire to travel in you all.  He sure enjoyed many a type of travel and he took me along.  As I am packing I am playing a CD that I should not listen to often because it has the TENNESSEE WALTZ on it.  As you know we were not too good at dancing but when  that was heard , we waltzed.  I could not help but waltz without him just now.  I sat down and cried a little.  Thank you Lord for my sweet memories but help me to make new ones too.
Betty Boop

FAVORITE THINGS

We are working on our Spring Musical here in the choir.  We sing a lot of different songs but songs from The Sound of Music are fun to sing.  My Favorite Things is one.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT SUNDAY

1. Church. It is such a part of my life, always has been.
2. Lunch with the "Bunch"  whoever they are that day.  It changes sometime.
3. Mr. Chen's I can't make myself order any thing except shrimp with broccoli.
(why change when it is always good.)
4. A visit with Irene.  Just to listen to her woes makes me know I help her.
5.  I always get a little story on the way there or back.  Yesterday I met a lady I know who lives in my section.  We all still have it, so to speak.  I had my doubts yesterday with her.  It was funny.  She was closely watching out the window and stopped me to look.  I know theses were dried blooms from a shrub but she was convinced they were little "somethings" flying around in a circle.  Just dancing she said.  Of course it was a whirlwind.  She was convinced they were little creatures of some kind.  We laughed.  I think I am the only sane one around.  Wonder what people think of me?

6. Last but not least--St. Catherine's

Well off to exercise.

Betty Boop

BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY

It rained a lot last night.  So I was told.  I honestly heard nothing.  I have been  thinking that I did not sleep well. I guess that is not so.  But today, the morning clouds cleared away and the sun came out and brought a beautiful day.  I went to Wal-Mart and did my weekly shopping.  I actually felt good and came back feeling a job well done.  I did the usual Saturday's piddling around and fixed all my meals for today.  I must say, I enjoyed it.  Tomorrow is Sunday.  My, time seems to fly.  I guess if you keep busy time will take care of it's self.  Getting excited about Mother's Day Campout.  Bet not many Mother's get to spend it camping.  I love it==some would think it horrible.  Not me.  I have always loved camping, weather traveling or spending time with family.  Lucky me.
Betty Boop

ANOTHER MISSION

Another mission done and done.  You remember all the clothes I gathered for Goodwill?  Amy took me by there today on the way to the SAS store to pick up yet another pair of shoes I ordered.  They never keep my size, so they order it.  Amy had a bag for Goodwill too.  Oh that felt good to give my old friends to them.  Some little old lady will be well dressed I hope.  I loved the new shoes.  They look more like dress shoes than my ordinary ones.  I can not wear heels anymore.  These are black snake skin.  What kind of snake, I do not know but they are pretty. 

Well. I have rattled enough.  Not much of interest to report.  So I will sign off now.

Betty Boop

MURDER IN THE BUBBLE

You know I have been reading too many murder mysteries lately.  Well  this morning I had a surge of talent.  I had on my mind--one poem, one essay, and one Haiku poem. My my. I must really get to it.  I gathered a sharp pencil (I write in pencil because I change my mind so much), my yellow legal pad to write on, my glasses and decided to write in the famous Bubble.  All set after meditating a bit, I started first on the Haiku.  Looked toward the Lake and there he was Inside on the glass window..  Mean, red. mad and ready to fight.  Ha hah.  I am ready for you this time.  I had prepared since he chased me away last week.  I bought at Wal-Mart this big red can of Wasp and Hornet Killer.  It said kills on contact--up to 20 feet, Jet spray.  Kills wasp. Hornets, Yellow Jackets--NON Staining,  I am set for battle.  I went to my apartment, adrenaline flowing. Found the can of spray.  I get as close as I can.  My aim can not be trusted.  I am ready to run just in case I had to make a fast get away.  First I watched him up close for a while.  Enjoying the hunt.  I aimed and shot him full.  He fell a little and kept moving, I was a little taken back.  This guy was tough.  I gave him another dose and he fell to the floor still grabbing for life and I stepped on him for good measure.  I left him there for someone else to dispose of him.==and calmly sat down, satisfied with my kill and wrote a poem, Haiku. and started on my essay in my mind.   Am I heartless ?  No I am victorious.!!

Betty Boop

DAY TO CHANGE

Did that title get your attention?  Well it is nothing,  Just routine.

1. change the bed linens
2. change basket of dirty clothes into clean
3. change Blueberry's (beta fish) water
4. change some winter clothes to summer
5. change my attitude?
6. change this dirty hair to clean,

Yes, sometime I take inventory of my mind and decide I must change a few things.  Maybe I could be more thankful for my blessings.  Maybe I can make my smile genuine. Maybe I could refuse the wonderful desserts here.  I broke down last night and had pecan pie.  It was homemade and so good.  Paid for that one too.  When will I change that one?  Lot to change.  Oh well you can see I am grasping for a subject.  I will go now and see if I can find one.
Betty (wandering) Boop

PROCRASTNATE

If there is a club for those who procrastinate , I would be the President and Chairman of the Board.  You would think I would remember the good feeling of "getting something done" and on time.  But alas I don't.  It is so easy when you have a month to do something to put it off.  Well I came to the deadline on an interview I  had to do and still it just lay there.  I said it is now or never.  I had already missed the first month's deadline, so here I go.  It went o. k .and is in the hands of our editor now.  Wheeee!!! 

I celebrated with my last ear of Madison County corn, a tomato from Hickory, Ms., and half of a baked Vardaman, Ms., sweet potato.  Oh my it was good. 

By the way, my beautiful new dictionary (not new anymore) reads like this:

To procrastinate:

1.  to put off doing something unpleasant or burdensome until a future time.
2.  to postpone habitually
3.  My favorite--belonging to tomorrow.

Does anyone see themselves?
Maybe it is only me in that Club, but I think most of the population has from time to
 time belonged.  I think I need a nap--can't put that off.

Betty Boop

SWEET SATURDAY

My sweet Jan took me Saturday to pick up shoes I ordered from SAS shoe store in Highland Village.  Ended up ordering another pair.  Am I crazy?  No!!  I  need them.  We had lunch at one of my favorites Piccadilly.  Jan and Amy like it too.  They cook the best veggies in town.  I had a whole plate of them.  Boiled okra, blackeyed  peas, cabbage and turnip greens plus cornbread stick.  Sooooo good.  Then off to finish off flowers for my balcony.  I know I said I would not get so much to take care of---but I did.  Looks great now and I will enjoy them every day.

My balcony birds are getting to be very demanding.  They come up to the glass door and peep in if I run late putting food out.  Got me somebody to feed other than my fish Blueberry.  He is thriving. Will the rain ever stop?  More for today.  I guess we should be thankful..  We may be begging for it this summer.  Speaking of Summer-----May camping and Beach Week -- both coming up.  I was looking in my cedar chest to find summer clothes and I ran across the T shirt Amy and Joseph produced for us all back a long time ago.  Remember?

Betty Boop

PROVERBS

I love the book of Proverbs.  When my daily devotion book list Proverbs as the scripture for the day, I sometime get caught up in it and read like it is a fortune cookie.  Today it said a lot in a few words. " An  anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."  Proverbs 12:25  Another version of the Bible read: " Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up."  The Bible I use the most is GOOD NEWS BIBLE Today's English Version.  It is the one I received when Truman and I went on a retreat in 1986 called DE COLORES  Mississippi CURSILLO #18.  It was so good.  Anyway this Bible has little pictures across the top of each page and they illustrate certain verses on that page.  So interesting.  Either version sends a message to think about.  END OF SERMON, for today.

Betty Boop
P.S. When I read Proverbs, I picture this old wise man sitting high up someplace and I am wondering if he is Chinese?  Giving out good advice.  Maybe and maybe not.

A COUPLE-O-THINGS

I just had to tell you that the three happy people I told you about last week--well they were at it again.  Bank Guard,, Laughing Lady and Loud Man.  Sitting in the lobby enjoying themselves again,  I asked if they were a Club now.  They loved that.  She said yes they were called The 9;30 Wednesday Laughing Club.  Well named.  I think they are cute.  I will have to say the Bank Guard looked a little uncomfortable --like he should not be having so much fun.     

Then we had this afternoon 2-4 a farmers market on the terrace, complete with our Chef cooking samples for everyone.  I think it was a hit.  Local farmers provided a lot of produce to buy.  Corn ( that went fast). tomatoes, squash. sweet potatoes. frozen steaks, eggplant, rice from the  Delta, grits too, homemade bread, lemonade to drink. I may have missed something,  Our Chef cooked on the grill, tomatoes, squash and onions together to sample,  Grilled steak to try cut in serving pieces.
watermelon was good too.  It was a lot of fun.  I bought corn, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.  This will be a monthly affair through the growing season.  I am looking for okra and string beans next time.  Nothing like something new to perk us up.

Betty Boop

ABOUT TO GIVE UP

I went to breakfast in the Cyber this morning.  Ham and eggs were good.  I have been toying with the idea of giving up the Villager.  Just a little burned out I guess.  One lady at our table this morning just out of the blue said   she had kept the copies of the Village since she came to live here 7 years ago.  And she takes them out from time to time and rereads certain parts.  She said how much she enjoyed my writings.  So maybe that was just enough to keep me going.  I am working on (in my head) a poem on the famous Coffee Club that I have told you about.  Kind of tricky since you have to be careful and not mention names.  I don't even want to suggest anyone in particular.  So it is going on in my head and not on paper yet.  It may not work.  I love that bunch and I don't want to offend anyone even in fun.  One of my favorite people is going through chemo and is so brave but is really suffering.  She has this cute wardrobe of hats that she wears.  Last night at dinner she had to rush away because she got sick.  Oh my how I prayed for her.  Such a sweet lady and everyone loves her.  The last of life is lived out here and sometime it gets depressing but that is life and "so be it."

Betty Boop

JUST SO YOU KNOW

Life here can be funny.  During Exercise class yesterday, even with the doors closed much laughter kept slipping through.  No mistake who one voice was.  Our well known Polish lady has a laugh you would not believe.  I call her "Happy."  She will sing Happy Birthday to you in Polish.  The second resident voice is know for his laughter too.  The Security guard for Regions comes on Wednesday with two tellers.  Well they were all having a ball out in the Lobby. As we walked out, there they sat, Guard, Lady and man, all in a row.  Roaring with laughter.  One joke after the other.  Good thing there was no problem with the bank because the guard was absorbed by these two rather large two just having a ball.  They tried to pull anyone who passed into the mirth.  Including me.  Almost got me but I just laughed a while and left them to it.  Now I know this all sounds mundane.  And maybe it is to most, but I could not help but think, what a wonderful thing laughter is.  Weather you at 8  or 88.-living in St. Catherine's or in an office or in the home with children or wherever you are, it can lift you.  Well I need a lift today as I am going to the Dentist.  Wish me luck and may I come out laughing.

Betty Boop

WELL DONE

I don't usually write two times in one day in my blog.  I realized I did not write about our Choir's Easter music.  Now anyone will tell you that I am not much of a singer.  My voice is so much weaker than it used to be.  I grew up in my church singing in various choirs.  During teen years it was a way to be with my girl friends  and talk about "boys,"And yes start to date.  More fun than singing.  When I came to St. Catherine's I stumbled in on what I thought was a singing program.  Turned out to be Choir "practice."  They all thought I was there to join the Choir.  They made me feel so wanted that I stayed.  Of all the things I do out here(there are many), the Choir is high on my list of enjoyment.  We are so appreciated and made to feel as if we are really good.  We worked so hard on the Easter program and tackled some very difficult pieces.  It was a great experience for me and all of us.  Jan, Amy, M.G. and Lucy came.  Now that made me feel so great.  Just wanted to express my feelings about it.  That is what my Blog is about.  Thank you again Sophia and Ashley for setting it up as a gift.  I have loved writing.  It sparked my interest in writing and joining  the staff

of the Villager and writing poems again.

Betty Boop    

 

TWO FUN FILLED DAYS

Starting on Saturday we had an egg dyeing demonstration.  Brody needed to  learn.  Out in the sunny back yard o his house, all these eager people taught him how to dye eggs.  He is a fast learner and jumped right in.  With orange red hands he picked then out of the dye and plopped them back in.  He was so pleased to see the eggs change color.  He really is good at finding the plastic eggs so cleverly hidden.  Lunch outside was good too.  This was a ritual we did for many years in the back yard of Riverwood.

Church was beautiful.  Decorated with Easter lilies, given in honor or in memory of a loved one.  Always so meaningful.  Lunch at Tommy and Jan's house was so good.  We missed Tommy as his tax work would not let him come.  My we have good cooks and plenty to take home made my supper and lunch today.  12 were there.  Pretty good crowd.  I was a happy tired last night.  What's next??  Oh yes Mother's Day campout.

HAPPY EASTER

EASTER EGG MYSTERY

 

BY DOT ELLIS

 

As I was walking down the street,

A pretty little girl I did meet.

I asked her where she was going.

"Come see," she said. "I'm just-roving."

 

That sparked my interest, don't you know.

I fell in step and away we go.

Up and down and around--I am lost!

Still intrigued-at any cost.

 

Suddenly we came upon a large hole.

In we went so very bold.

To beauty you wouldn't believe.

EGGS!!   every color you could conceive.

 

Welcome to Easter Egg Land!!!

She announced with such glee.

It's location must be banned.

Never disclose what all you see.

 

I'll keep it a secret as best I can.

Though it is hard to do.

You see, my imagination got up and ran.

What you believe is up to you.

 

HAPPY EASTER

MaMaw

 



COMPANY

How nice to have a short visit with Joe and Linda.  They spent the night on the way to Joe's mother's funeral.  Sad for him, but we let him talk about it and I know that helps.  We enjoyed a "big" breakfast in the Cyber before they left about 10:00 (I think), as I loose track of time when  they are here.  They will be back through on Sunday and spend the night before going home. 

So on to the rest of the day.  I am a little sad when they leave.  They caught up on everything that they miss.  I am so glad my family still loves each other and are happy to get together.  Thank you Truman again for pushing that when you were here.  It really is a legacy to you.  

Betty Boop