BUSY

I haven't had time to blog lately.  I can imagine many of my readers would say  "How can you be busy? "  Well the stuff I tell you about may sound tame to you, but it is  big to me.  First, I do not move as fast as I used to.  A little bit goes a long way now.  Then I really don't have to do it all anymore.  I am learning that fast now.  I enjoyed Linda, Joe and Parker staying with me.  A lot was planned for the short time everyone was here.  In addition to them, Lindsay, Loralie Jacob, Whitney, Cameron, Karis, Andrew. Liam from out of town and then most of the "locals" too,.  M. G. and Ryan were perfect host.  I think it was 19 or 20.  Perfect weather inside and out.  Kids enjoyed games and other things outside.  Dinner at Ed and Amy's was a hit the night before.  Ending with lunch at Jan and Tommy's Saturday  Too much to tell it all.  But most of you were there and so you know.

I put my little tree up last night.  It is small but loaded with many ornaments that are very, very, old.  Memories again.  Can't live without them/  The whole village here is decorated so pretty.  I bowed out this year with that committee.  I am letting some things go.  I need to slow up. 

Betty Boop

PLEASE CLOSE THE DOOR.

If you have been reading my blog for a day or two, you know I have been in the memory mode.  Anniversary and all, you know.  Well one more outstanding one and I will close the door.  If you remember, on Riverwood, our bedroom was at one end of the house and the laundry room was at the other end.  When I would load clothes I would often strip and put add my clothes to the mix.  One morning that is what I was doing when the doorbell rang.  I heard Truman open the front door, blocking me from a fast get away.  He greeted "someone" with great gusto.  There I was in my birthday suit and trapped as he invited "someone" in.  He let me suffer a short while before he told me not to worry, he was just teasing me.  There was no one there, just him playing a joke.  Ha Ha.  O. K., I will close the door to the Memory Bank.......but very gently.

Betty Boop

NOVEMBER 23, 1946

A day to remember.  Let's go to the Memory Bank this morning and check out an outstanding memory.  The reason you are all here.  Think of that.  It was a cool sunny day and she was nervous.  19 years old and little or no experience of the world.  Yet so in love that it did not matter.  She did not even think of it that way.  He was handsome  and full of life and anxious to get his Civilian life back on track.  A world traveler forced from a new life in the big city of Jackson,  But he traveled to defend his country.  Back at work and this little dark haired cutie captured him and off they went down the path of life together.  What a life it was.  Three children, new house, many ups and downs, as is very normal.  Thankfully more ups.  What a full life we had together, from a start in my parents living room with family there on North Jefferson Street.  On to New Orleans to get our married life started.  I remember the day as it were yesterday.  He will always be my only love.  I still have my sweet memories as the not so sweet ones have faded .  I ramble on so don't feel bad for me.  I had the "cream of the crop" of a life with him, and I am thankful.

So there they stand on trembling legs, Afraid, yet brave.  She in her beautiful sky blue suit with pink silk blouse and an outrageous Hat with an a pink feather and him in a custom made suit (a first for that)  promising to love, honor till death do  them part.  And they kept that vow,  Oh yes.  And for me even after death parted us.  So be it.

Betty Boop

THIS THAT AND THE OTHER

B rrrrrr, it is cold at last.  I kind of like it.  A chance to wear winter clothes, snuggle in with a book and hot chocolate in the Bubble.  Yes I do all those things.  I guess they think we "old folks" get cold easy. some do.  The Halls are kept too hot for me.  We will be having a lot of activities here for December. Even a concert by Guy Hovis!!  You young may not even know him.  Choir concert is December 14 at 3:00.  We are working hard.  I love being a part of that.  Many other things that I will mention as they draw near. 

With Jan out of town on Saturday, I had to fill the day with something.  That laundry I put off had to be done. and a few other little things that are so mundane I wont even list them.  But I managed without her and I am sure she was having a great time in New Orleans.  Great place.  We spent our honeymoon there.  Four days (all he could afford) and then to Carthage where we spent our first Thanksgiving together.  Me in my high heels and honeymoon outfits.  I must have looked out of place to them in the country.  My I was a pretty dumb little 19 year old.  I remember Truman's mother being so sweet and accepting to me. We had baked chicken and dressing. We made a big to do about our "turkey".  She was a great lady and I did learn a lot from her about family.  She loved hers too.

Betty Boop

FRIDAY AGAIN?

Well, it looks like I could say something about Friday.  Well here goes.  After Exercise class and feeding my crew pumpkin bread, I headed up to plan the rest of  my day.  There is laundry to do.  Not very exciting.  The phone rang and Amy said , "You have been wanting to go to the Mall.  Lets have lunch and go."  I was ready in no time.  Laundry will  wait.  We had one of our favorites  Chick Filet.  Sandwich on whole wheat bun and  slaw. They make the best slaw.  Feeling satisfied, up to my favorite store. Dillard's has the best petite department.  I must say, I went a little wild.  So many cute clothes and my old ones are so outdated.  I felt like adding a little life to my wardrobe.  Amy is good at shopping and it really helped for someone to find the size and color and bring it to  the dressing room.  I bought several things and lightened my wallet a bit.  Thank you Truman, you provided for me well.  I know he would be proud that I do take care of my resources that he so carefully left me. 

Now a word about my daughter, Amy.  It is rare to have a daughter to love. One who is still a daughter and also a friend.  Rare to have both at the same time.  I enjoy her company and she helps me in more ways than she can know.  I see her in the same relationship with her daughters.  How nice. 

Betty Boop

DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

That is the way most ghost stories start.  We really had a stormy night last night.  With the sirens going off and thunder and lighting rain and threats of tornados it really was a dark and stormy night.  Sun shining and it is cool and crisp today. 

I had a hot dog for lunch in the Cyber.  I put chili on it.  So good.  Sweet potato fries made it perfect. 

I am reading a real thriller.  A novel called THE HISTORIAN.  About a man doing research and got caught up in researching Dracula and Transylvania .  Was he real?  Is he still alive?  So many stories can be made up around folklore and some truth.  It is over 600 pages so I am set for a while before I find any answers,  (If I do)  Fun and interesting to read.       Guess I will go read a while.

BETTY BOOP

HAM & EGGS

What a way to start a dreary looking day.  A little bit of sunshine in the Cyber.  It was a good breakfast.  Ordered  it from a smiling face and "good morning Mrs. Ellis."  Don't you love to go where everybody  knows your name?  On the walk down I met a very few people because of the early hour.  I actually was the first customer.  I usually am at 7:30.  But they drifted in before I finished.  More "good mornings." 

You know, I still am amazed at the good choice I made to live here.  Nowhere, without Truman, could I be better off.  I have so many good friends and caring people to call on for company.  Always someone asking for me to join them for dinner. Activities to join,  Believe me I have tried most of them.  Now settling down to the ones I like.  No questions asked, just join. 

This morning, it hit me again as I walked back to my apartment, When people smile and say a greeting, as the song goes --  They are really saying, "I love you," from our theme song in the Choir--WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.  If you haven't heard us sing it, you have missed something special.  We are working on Christmas music now.  One of my favorites and new for us to sing is YOU LIFT ME UP.  Move over Josh Groban!!

Betty Boop

LINCH GUEST

Yes, how pleased again to have Brody, Cary, and Jan to lunch.  Brody is getting a following around the Halls.  He is a perfect guest at lunch.  He really enjoyed grilled cheese, milk and fruit in MaMaw's Café.  Of course I loved talking to Cary about the new little one who will join their growing family in June.  So exciting. 

What would I do without Jan?  She is so willing to help me with my "business".  I would be lost without her. She  navigates the Madison Library's on line system like a pro.  We had to recheck a book for me.  THE HISTORIAN is a long book and I did not get to finish it before it is due.  Now I can enjoy it.  It is quite interesting. 

Jan also took me to Lowes to buy a few pansies.  Took me back to the Memory Bank, where I checked out sweet memories of Truman.  We always bought lots of pansies and he helped me plant them.  I have always liked pansies.  Now I have two big pots smiling at me on the balcony.  Now I will put Jan in the Memory Bank and check her out from time to time.  You do what you have to do and be thankful.

Betty Boop

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS?

I do my best writing in my BUBBLE ROOM or whatever you want to call it  It is my favorite place to write.  Because it has such a good view of the lake, I feel at home there.  I was sitting there with my "juices" flowing this morning.  I saw the resident Egret and geese and made a story about them.  It came out as a poem.  What do you think of it?

KING EGRET

 

Resident Egret found a place.

It suits him very well.

But this is not the case.

A sad story to tell.

 

He haughty stares at the geese;

Who have moved into his space.

You have disturbed my peace,

He confidently builds his case.

 

They pay no attention to his stare,

Went right on sunning their wings.

As if he was not there.

Ignoring him really stings.

 

A late group came floating in.

It is the last straw!!

With his big ego to mend,

His feelings are very raw.

 

Off he flew to take a break.

He had left a sunny spot.

Oh for goodness sake,

Sun-Versus Geese--Why not?

 

---------and off he flew right back.

 

Dot Ellis

November 2015

SUPER SATERDAY !!!!!

Down came the rain. skies were dark. but inside the sun was shinning so bright.  The rain washed in a lovely Saturday complete with company.  BRODY and his entourage .  This time it was made up of Jan,T., Mom Cary, and Dad David.  We created a stir in the Cyber.  Brody is at home here now and I love it.  His "chair" from home was forgotten so he had to be a big boy and sit in a regular chair.  As with most everything he does, he took it in stride and only got up to get a T. fix and sit in his grand dads lap.  With a grilled cheese sandwich. milk and fruit cup. he laughed the lunch away.  He did not even notice the admiring looks.  Lucky me.

Brody and I have some things in common.  We like to punch the button in the elevator, speak to residents and give them a smile, and also we love the Halls.  He loves to race down the hall of my apartment.  Not usually anybody to watch out for on this hall.  Off he goes with someone in tow.  What energy and excitement from so little.  Way to go.

Betty Boop

P. S. to Christmas poem.

         JACK FROST

The grass is now lush and green.
due to rain.
but soon frost will take it back.

HAIKU  Dot Ellis
December 2015

JUICES ARE FLOWING

I wrote this poem for the December issue.  You understand it is directed to my age.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

 

Christmas is coming,

With lots to do.

So let's get humming.

With excitement too.

 

Plans to make.

Create a list.

Oh, for goodness sake.

I must try to resist.

 

That's the way it used to be.

Others take over now.

Sit back and drink your tea.

You deserve a BOW!!!

 

Dot Ellis

December 2015

REV. DOT HERE

Once in a while, I feel the urge to share with you some thoughts.  I have read in my Bible for some time now every day.  Oh sometime I miss, but most every day.  I find strength almost every time I read.  I read in I Peter 4:  10 " Each one ,as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for good of others the special gift he has received from God."  And a little unrelated, 5:7.  "Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you."   Now, I don't know why I was moved to share this, but use it today if you feel the need.  I did. 

Betty Boop

LOOK MOM, NO CAVATIES

O. K. you may remember I was off to the dentist last time I wrote.  It went smooth and I was surprised since I had the cap pop out and had to put it back.  Feels good and I think I mentioned there goes Christmas.  Well almost!!  My they know how to charge.  Next time ( hope there is not a next time for this)  maybe I will look for super glue myself.  My regular dentist was out for a few days ( I suspect he was on the slopes somewhere or looking for a new fancy car).  They really know how to charge.  Oh well it is just money, got to spend it someway. 

After appointment we met Sophia and Paul at the Old Capitol Inn since we were close to it.  We sat outside near  the fish pond and watch these huge gold fish.  They were beautiful.  Amy and I remembered when it was the YWCA and young women lived in rooms there and the big swimming pool where I took her for swimming lessons,  Jan and Linda learned to swim there too.  How does it feel to be able to remember old things Amy?  You have such a good memory anyway..

Well I can't get used to the time change.  My old brain wants to wake me at 5:00 a. m. thinking it is 6:00 That is just too early, so I lay awake and try to stay there a while longer.  Hard to do.

BETTY BOOP

WISH ME LUCK

As  I go off to the dentist, I hope you will wish me good luck.  Hope it goes off smooth. I am sure it will. 

Guess what.  Another stroke of luck!!!!!  They switched BIG BANG THEORY to Thursday.  Now It wont be at the same time as DANCING WITH THE STARS.   No I had nothing to do with the decision.  But I like to take credit.

Betty Boop   

STILL RAINING (a little)

Never thought I would be glad to go to the dentist!! I go tomorrow to fix this cap that popped off.  I go regularly to the dentist but I hate every visit.  This protecting my tooth from pain is wearing me down and I will be glad to have it fixed.  No telling what he will charge--there goes Christmas!!

Busy day will take the mind off at times.  I am looking forward to DANCING WITH THE STARS tonight.  My poem about it made it into the current VILLAGER.  I have given up my space on the staff of the Villager except for contributing poems and essays.  It was getting to be too much to do it all.  I still love to write and they wanted my poems.  They are so light and sometime silly, but people seem to need some of that.

Betty (off to the "races.")  Boop

Betty Boop