MOVING RIGHT ALONG.

I had an unexpected burst of energy Saturday and pulled out all my Christmas decorations.  I can't believe that I still have a lot.  Much of it has gone along the way to others I know and some I don't by way of Goodwill or some other (trash.)  I worked till I was so tired.  I like my tablescape at my hall entrance.  I was so glad to see my little clothes pin dolls dressed as carolers.  With much of Amy's loan, I created something to make you smile. (I hope).  My tier table at my front door holds my Angel collection.  So like me.  Childish and hodge podge.  Like I say--ME.  I saved the tree in my apartment till Sunday afternoon.  It looks the same.  Artificial and small.  Different from days gone by.  I always wanted a real one then 

Church was beautifully decorated.  I was so proud of Amy.  Although she gives credit to all who helped, I know her style and it showed.  I was pleased when the preacher gave her a shout-out from the pulpit.  She should good about it and all the other talents that she has and uses in Church.      Had lunch with the Lunch Bunch.  The gyro was the best I ever had.  I have much more to tell, but who has time to read all this stuff?

Betty Boop

GREAT THANKSGIVING DAY

The food was great, the weather was perfect and the people were the best.  M.G, and Ryan know how to host any kind of gathering,  They work together so well and their new addition in the form of a huge screened porch was the perfect setting for the day.  I know they are going to enjoy it for many such times as well for their on private times We had a few sweet dogs to join the festivities and so well behaved they were,  Candy and Lucy always add a lot also.  All in all--it was a wonderful day and I have so much to be thankful for with such a wonderful family. I like to think Truman was looking down on us and happy to see us all at one long table.  He did love that.!!!

Betty Boop

O GIVE THANKS

O give thanks for the many, many blessings we receive each day.  The old hymn COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS comes to mind today.  Count your blessings, name them one by one,  Count your blessings see what God has done.  I used to love singing that in Church growing up.  By the way just growing up in church was a blessing.  My very social life was spent there and along the way I was getting a religious education and did not even know it.  Thanks to my mother and daddy and many others who guided me.  There is so much to be thankful for.  First for family who love me, a safe place to live, all my needs met, friends, knowing God loves me in spite of myself, and the list goes on and on.  Most of all, "maybe not of all",but very important, I am thankful for memories and the fact that I can still remember them.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING  be thankful.

Betty Boop

LOT OF CELEBRATIONS

Sunday after Church we had our annual Thanksgiving dinner.  It has changed a lot over the years and I wont go there because it stirs up too many memories.  The food was as usual great.  I was proud of Amy for making cornbread dressing," like her mama's" she told people.  I am having dinner here at St. Catherine's on Thanksgiving Day.  We are having our family dinner on Friday to let some go to the other side of their family for the day.  Makes it great for everyone.  We will go to M. G. and Ryan's house on Friday.  So I may get a lot of dressing and turkey.  The dressing is what I look forward to.

I have to go to an annual Budget Review this morning.  We all dread that because that is when we see if our rent goes up for the next year.  It always does, just hope not a lot.   I had breakfast of sausage, toast (whole wheat), egg over light, and coffee in the Cyber Café this morning.  First customer of the day at 7:30.  I like it that way.  So I met my editor of the Villager as I was leaving--she liked my LITTLE DRUMMER BOY POEM and said it was being published as we spoke.  Yeh!! I am published again.  Unbelievable as it sounds, I know it is a small paper with a limited readership, but I am proud to see my name in print.  I guess I have written hundreds of poems but I still get pleasure from writing.

Betty Boop

COOL & CRISP

Sounds like a summer lunch?  Could be, but it is Summer no more.  Even looks like we skipped Fall and headed straight into Winter.  They predict 30's for tonight but even that wont hold long.  Maybe we will get a Fall season after all.  Yesterday the Closet Sale was a little disappointing . After all it had only been two months since the last one, and it was big.  I think they are trying to boost our Christmas Fund for our employees.  I am out of that as of this year.  I did it for 3 years, which is the limit and also I do not do the decorating committee  anymore.  I told someone this morning I was getting out of a lot.  She said I was still getting one of the most important things done.  Writing poetry for Library and Villager.  I can sit in the chair and do that.  and I do enjoy it.  And don't forget the Choir.  One of my joys.  So I am still active.  Thank you Lord. every day for blessings.

Betty Boop

CREATURE OF HABIT

I seem to be joining the OLD FOLKS CLUB.  You have heard of us.  Go to bed by 10:30 wake up three to four times a night and then wake before 6:00.  Right on time.  It has allowed me to take that second cup of coffee to the balcony.  Before 7:00 the world is just waking.  It was a little cool there this morning, 67 degrees but I had on enough clothes to take it.  I realized there are 11 pine trees in my pine thicket (as Truman's mother called a thick stand of trees).  Who plants 11 trees? together?  Surely there must have been 12 at first. You know me, I like for things to balance and rhyme.  Anyway, it is the home to many birds.  I heard them wake as it got  light and they drifted out in twos and threes, off to hunt for food I guess.

Highlight of day. Amy came and brought pansy plants.  Till now it has been too warm for them.  She planted them for me and I am happy for that.  One bunch were the tiny ones and we planted them under the hibiscus tree where the farriers sit on the little miniature chairs and table that she brought me for Mother's Day I think.  Yes the farriers do have tea there from time to time,  (If you believe in them.)  I do.

Big closet sale today here,  I must hurry before the good "stuff" gets grabbed up.  Oh how I need some more stuff.

Betty Boop

New Poem

Well I did finish my poem for the Villager.  Want to read it?

 

 

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

 

As I sing with our Choir, The Little Drummer Boy.

It  fills my heart with joy.

My imagination takes me away,

To that long ago day.

 

As he clutches his drum to his chest,

He promises to play his best.

With blonde hair and sweet cherub face,

Down the cobble-stone streets he would race.

 

He gave the only thing he had

I think it made him very glad,

To happily play his drum.

At last the Christ Child has come.

 

Pa-Rum-Pum-Pum-Pum

 

Dot Ellis

DAY OF REST

Oh you thought a day of rest was meant for Sundays?  I am sorry to say that that means little to a lot of people.  That is another discussion.  I mean today I have nothing on tap and I need a day of rest with nothing pushing me.  Except that pesky poem for the December Villager.  I have already done one for the Library board.  I have one verse written although I am not really pleased with it, I know what I want to say--just can't put it into verse.  Maybe it will turn into an essay. Sometime my solution.

I woke at the usual time.  It was so pleasant on the balcony as I had a second cup of coffee there.  It was so quiet and just cool enough to enjoy.  The birds began to converse and a family of ducks floated silently on the lake.  Mr. Egret was looking for breakfast, and a lone figure came walking around the lake.  I watched as she came closer and I saw it was Barbara my maid.  Our help is welcomed to walk any time.  But here she was before she started her day of work walking.  Good for her.    More later.

Betty Boop

LOOSE ENDS

Tommy came for History Club  and lunch.  My peers are jealous.  We did not learn much about the siege of Jackson since it has been over rated  in the way history recorded it. It was burned alright but not every single thing like I thought.  Enough to surrender and George made it interesting anyway.  Lunch and a finance meeting on my stocks.  Oh me, I do stew too much and am a worry wart. but Tommy  reassures me of my status and tells me not to worry.  Now I am at loose ends as what to do since the highlight of the day is passed.  Maybe I will read a book.  I have a few that are calling me.  I just can't seem to put my mind to it.  Oh well it has been a good day and I am once reminded how blessed I am.

Betty Boop

FOUND IT

Another miracle , Barbara my maid, found the Indian made bracelet that I lost last week.  She found it in the only place I did not look.  The balcony.  I was so surprised and thanks her so much.  She has found things I have lost before.  Better eyes than mine.  I was happy because Jan brought it to me from her trip to the Grand Canyon.

Another treat___ lunch with M. G. and Ryan .  They showed pictures of their trip .  It was so pretty and they had a wonderful time.  Good Sunday at Church too.   Hey guess what, I got me a new flannel shirt.  I am in style for sure.

Well here I go to start a new week, busy today with plenty to do.  Lucky me.

Betty Boop

SATISFYING SATURDAY

Saturday arrived crisp and cool.  Just right for shopping.  Jan came and we headed for the big shoe store DSW (designer shoe warehouse.)  And it is huge.  I bought my last sneakers there.  They have lines and lines of that kind alone.  I walked the isles and picked a few.  Jan sat me down and fetched different sizes and colors.  Without her I would have given up. Finally after trying on quiet a few pair, we settled on of all brands--Dr. Scholl's".Along with other history on the lid of the box it read-"-Our shoes have advanced technology and innovation, with uncomplicated playful style," ALRIGHT!!  So now I have an uncomplicated playful style.  Come to  think of it, I already have that  style.  I now have new gowns and a drawer full of new socks,  I am rich.We tried to eat lunch in the area but gave up.  That place was really humming.  We decided to come back up north to the tried and true Traceway Grill.  Always a winner.  Part of the shopping was done after lunch and by then I had used up all my energy.  Home to nap but satisfied.  Bless Jan and everyone else who have daughters like I do. 

Betty Boop

TODAYS WORRIES

Between our Nation, stock market uneasy, health issues, I find myself finding something to worry about all the time.  Then I run to God in prayer begging for solutions and answers and help.  Which I should-- but this morning I had a thought.  All I  really need is God's strength and presence. 

Jan is coming and we are going to buy me some new shoes.  The only kind I am comfortable with is sneakers and so I need at least two pair.  We will have fun and I know she will make me feel better.  Always does,  Just to know I have her on my side is worth a lot.

Betty Boop      P.S.  I made a mistake in spelling in my poem yesterday.  Did you notice.?  The copy I sent to the editor was correct I think. 

HAMBURGER DELIGHT

Last evening the Origin Bank provided a wonderful hamburger dinner for all independent residents for free!!  They do this each year to promote good business. 





























Last evening the Origin Bank provided a hamburger supper for all independent residents.  I think everyone came.  What a crowd.  They do this every year to promote good business, and they do it each year.  I think the name of the Bank has changed and I can't remember what they were before Origin.  The Broken Egg restaurant catered it and they can cook something besides eggs.  It was so very good.  Hamburgers as big as a plate with all the fixings, baked beans, potato salad, soft drinks, and chocolate brownies.  I ate the meat (no buns) and beans and no dessert.  Proud of me?  They also gave great draw gifts.  I was not lucky this time.  WE DO LOVE FREE.

Betty Boop










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MUNDANE THINGS

Not much of interest to say today.  Unless you find doing laundry or baking pumpkin bread for coffee group of interest.  I did  -write a poem that has been running around in my head.  It did not take the turn I thought it was going to.  But maybe this will do for the library board.  Now one for the Villager, and for that I do not know.  I have a title and I will go from there.  Here is one I wrote today for the library.

 

JINGLE or JANGLE ?

 

Are your nerves in a Jingle,

As with crowds you mingle?

Or are they in a Jangle,

With decisions you wrangle?

 

Why all the stress?

Humane nature I guess.

Find yourself a cozy nook,

And from our Library a romantic book.

 

Dot Ellis, December

 

What do you think?

Betty Boop

WHAT NEXT?

You never know what is next "out here."  I  had lunch with three I have not had lunch with before.  Helen, Dee, & Frankie (girl.)  They were all cute as buttons.  Found out Dee was a native Jacksonian like me.  Different part of town, but Jackson just the same.  Well the conversation was lively and interesting but when they served our meal, she and I both had pork chops.  I remarked I hoped it was tender.  She said it did not matter because she had something to remedy that--as she pulled from her purse her handy little knife!!  She said she carried it in her purse all the time.  And Frankie remarked "does it come in handy on the elevator?"  What does that mean?  You decide.  Anyway it was fun.  And by the way, the pork was tender (thank goodness.)

Betty Boop

LOST ????? OR NOT

I have searched and searched but all in vane.  The washer, dryer, floor in laundry room, hall to and fro.  My apartment floors, inside my clothes I wore yesterday, and many  more places.(I did laundry wearing it, foolish)  I wont give up because I am sad to loose it.  What?  A beautiful little American Indian beaded bracelet Jan brought back to me from the Grand Canyon.  Jan and I both said it was a little loose on my skinny wrist and maybe John K. could shorten it.  But I could not wait to wear it.  I searched my exercise bag, and floor in the room.  I even looked on the board for lost and found.  I will not give up because from experience I have found small things like ear rings and tiny objects long after they were lost.  Wish me luck.  I do not wont to loose it.  It was pretty and she thought of me. 

Betty Boop

LUCKY DAY

Yes it is always a lucky day when I get to spend time with one of my "chicks."  Jan back from travels came to "do my do".  We went to Stien-Mart , who was having a sale.  Boy do I like a sale.  And I proved it again by bringing home a stash.  Some I will take back, but most are keepers.  I really paid for it with overdoing and getting too hungry.  Nothing like a major blood sugar drop.  I felt weak and faint but revived with few almonds and went on to Dollar Tree, but I still needed food.  We came back to St Catherine's and had lunch.  I heard about her trip and was taken back in my mind of when we went there long ago.  It is still beautiful and awesome .  Set the clocks back and I have a few.  Did nothing to make my night better.  My, how I dream and wander around and get up tired.  Comes with the territory I guess.  Well off to Church . It is All Saints Day.  Could be sad.  Or maybe proud.

Betty Boop (Thanks to Peggy for remembering I like Betty Boop)

NOT A LOT TO TELL

Not a lot going on that I have done.  Not that a lot hasn't been going on --  I just have not done it.  I did make a pot of split pea and ham soup yesterday.  Not everyone likes this kind of soup.  I do and the kitchen here makes it too thin for me.  So I have little serving size bags of it, made my way in the freezer.  I guess the cooler weather has prompted me to make soup.

Up at 6:00 A. M. I saw the beautiful sky of blue and pink.  Colors that man can not make.  I watched as a sky writer made beautiful sweeps in the sky.  He (or she) must have gotten up early too.  What a treat to see such beauty.  I wonder what the time change tonight will do to me?  I don't sleep well anyway and I dream a lot, but can't remember what I dream.  Crazy me.    I hope Jan gets to come today.  She is just back from a trip to the Grand Canyon.  We took the girls when they were young there.  I just wonder if all the trips we so carefully planned and took them to so many places are remembered?  We tried.

Boop Boop

Busy Monday--slower Tuesday

I need to trim my Mondays, but how.  The things I like most happen on Monday.  Exercise (I really like my friends there) Lunch with friends, My best is Choir practice.  We are preparing for Christmas.  Some beautiful songs you may not have heard.  Then there is Methodist service and it was good with bell ringers from Parkway.  And Dancing With The Stars.  All in all it is a lot for me.  Fun but I was tired.  I had every intentions of going to Kroger this morning but____I over slept ( must have needed it) and a late start can throw me off.  I got involved in taking down Halloween and putting up Thanksgiving decorations at my front door and then the hall table I maintain.  Before I knew it-- it  was just too late to go.   Maybe tomorrow, for it is another day.  But what to do with the rest of this day?  Nap!!  Then something will come to mind I am sure..

Betty Boop