"DON'T WORRY,BE HAPPY"

In 1988 everyone was singing this song by Bobby McFerrin.  Don't remember knowing him or if he wrote anything else I would remember.  It was very popular.  It said this:  "In every life we have some trouble, when you worry you make it double.  Don't worry, be Happy."  Wise words but also hard to do.  "It is God's privilege to conceal things".....Proverbs 25:2.  I love Proverbs.  You could really live by them.  We don't know what the future will bring.  But not knowing what it will bring lets us stay in the present and enjoy it.  So a New Year is a good time to review the past and wonder about the future,, but also stay and enjoy the present.    So--"Don't worry-Be Happy." HAPPY NEW YEAR

Betty Boop,

GROCERY DAY

Cold this morning.  Mississippi weather is up and down.  Gives the weather people on TV something to talk about.  I do get amused by them.  I look at all the local channels. at some point during the day.  I have some favorites.  They do a good job I think.  I am off to  Kroger this morning.  There is no putting it off when essentials are needed.  Now wouldn't it be nice if we had one here.  That would be the ultimate.  So human to always want more. 
I am looking out the window and see my resident Egret.  He is frustrated because the Christmas tree made of strings of lights is at the end of the pier--right where he likes to perch!! , is still there. "Dang those humans.  When will they take the lights down?"  Well soon I hope to.  I did not feel up to helping this year.  It is a real job.  Hats off to the resident crew.  Well I am off to the races.  Maybe I will buy a can of black-eye peas for good luck and cabbage for money.

Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND

Well fellow Bloggers Christmas has come and gone again.  I have seen a few.  Almost 90 now.  This one was again as magical as ever.  It is always new yet old and familiar.  I did not feel physically as good as I wanted to, but I enjoyed seeing almost my whole family together.  Now that is a challenge for all.  After all the preps and execution of plans and stress, comes the core of it all.  Love.  You got to have it to survive.  And we have it.  My, my. how the great grandchildren have grown and it has not been long since I saw some of them last.  It was warm enough to let everybody sit outside in T. & J.s back yard the day after Christmas.  Now nice for all.  Now it is time to settle back into the routine and see what is next.  I know what is next to me.  I have three Doctor appointments in January alone. Dental, Foot. and Annual physical,  and then in  Feb. Eye.  Get it over the first of the year.  O Boy!! I am pretty high maintenance.  Par for the course as "they" say.       Who is "they" anyway?  Also I need to start on my February poems.  That will be easy with Love for the subject.

Betty Boop   P,S,  I just checked out the new (I think) book THE WHOLE TOWN IS TALKING.  Different for her.  About a Missouri small town in the 1800's.  Funny and good.  I seem to have missed the one before this one.  THE ALL-GIRL FILLING STATION'S LAST REUNION.  Sounds interesting.  Will look it up.  Do you like Fannie Flagg's books?

TO THE TOP AND DOWN

This is not to say that I did not enjoy the season.  But there is just so much pleasure I can take all at once.  From the beginning all the way through the "day after" and beyond that, it has been amazing to see most of my family together.  A little like
Beach Week but yet very different in some ways.  The grandkids and greats too have grown and changed.  Some still want hugs, others do and still they have new feelings and stand off a little.  I understand that and respect it.  Jan and Amy and M.G. and Sophie  have really been troupers. They do things with such grace and confidence.  Good men back them up.  I know how that feels to have a willing mate. 

I have some extra laundry to do but that is alright.  Glad to have it to do.  Must get at it.

Betty Boop

LITTLE PAST THE MIDDLE

Christmas Eve at Sophie and Paul's was very special.  I get to be with my side of family.  It was a beautiful affair.  Worthy of SOUTHERN LIVING or even something better.  The house was so pretty and elegant and the food was outstanding.  Some traditional and some new.  But all great.  Paul and Sophie did an outstanding job of host.  Next day was the biggie.  So much good food and Jan and Tommy are old pros at this.  We owe them a lot.  Good job and it is not over as Florida and Memphis folks are yet to come.  I will have to experience it to tell you later. Also Fort Wayne folks are on the way.  Wonderful!!!

Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!! gotch ya.

Jack and I used to play that game every Christmas and then to win we started it on Christmas Eve,  I miss him.  Flood of memories come back.  It was 66 degrees on the balcony this morning.  I need to compose my stories of the balcony in a book.  Who would read it?  I really do think having a view of the Lake has saved me many times.  I saw friend Egret this morning.  Sitting on the walk from the pier.  You know the rail is laced with beautiful lights that burn at night.  He was getting close to our building.  I take that as a Christmas greeting, as he looks so regal and composed. and very much unafraid. The birds woke and began to converse.  It is a whole world out there.  Just full of sounds and creatures.  I love to think about that. 

Well let the games begin.  Linda and Joe will arrive this morning.  And we get started on the whoope-d- do that we have planned.  Fried chicken to remember my Mama, and mashed potatoes AND rice.  (for Jack). Then Christmas Day and much more the next day.  We will get to see almost everyone this year.  How can anybody do without family and your traditions.  I listened with interest to my friends at coffee tell some of theirs.  What fun. So let us get started.

Betty Boop

LIGHT

I braved the cool morning and went to my balcony for my second cup.  This weather is crazy up and down.   Somehow I need to start the day by looking outside and up.  I don't feel right till I locate our resident Egret.  It was very foggy and I could not see him, yet I know he is there.  Even the birds seem to be sleeping in.  I thought about light and how important it is.  Yet some live without it.  I got cold and came inside to read my devotional and Bible.  Ironically the subject was Light. "In Your light we see light"  Plalms36:9.  I wont go into the details but I thought it was strange that the subject was one I was thinking about. 

I asked the Lord to give me more strength to resist all these beautiful "sweets" I keep getting from friends.  You all know how that is.  My blood sugar is giving me trouble and it is mostly my fault.  I am going to try to do better. They all mean well and I do appreciate being remembered.  But please give me strength to only taste a little.
Betty Boop

DREARY OUTSIDE

I am glad to be inside today.  I get my hair cut at 12:00 today.  I do need it.  A haircut makes a world of difference.  Hey, a subject for a poem.  I have another thought also.  My where is this coming from.  Just everyday thoughts.  A way to say them and not feel silly.  I am glad for this small talent.  Makes me feel good to put thoughts in writing.  Christmas is coming fast to me.  I am excited that I will get to see almost the whole family this year.  That is harder to do all the time.    I just hope I can stand all the fun and not whimp out as I am prone to do lately.  I will try and pace myself.  So many are having what they call " colds here."  I hope I miss that trouble.

Later,
Betty Boop 

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Winter has arrived for Mississippi.  Those north of us will laugh at that.  But believe me it is cold. (for us.)..They say Mississippi weather is unpredictable.  And it is.  We may even have a warm Christmas.  But these last few days have been cold enough for me.  Jan and I got out Saturday and I bought two new sweaters!!  All of mine are 10-15 years old.  Natty and out of style.  Hey I just described myself.  "Natty and old".  But I do try to keep up-to-date, as possible.  Our Church was beautiful Sunday.  I love the lighting of the Advent candle and the songs and all the feelings you only get at Christmas.  Amy has a lot to do with it.  She just loves Broadmeadow.  I do too.  We went yesterday but the weather was not inviting so me split for lunch.  I ate here and sat at a table with a man who had a horrible cold. He proudly said he had been in 4 days sick. Hold your breath for me.  I usually don't get colds, but you never know.  I came home and put on sweat pants and had hot chocolate in a new Christmas cup and read the big Sunday paper.  Good thing to do on a cold windy day.  Missing a fireplace.  Oh well, I made it o.k.

Betty Boop

MY SWEET GIRLS.

If you read Amy's blog you will appreciate this.  Sophie, Amy. and Jan came yesterday and brought forgotten boxes stored in her attic .  They were my Mother's little picture collection that she was so excited to collect on our trips.  All packed up after she died so long ago.  She died around Christmas time and that is a always a sad note to Christmas.  What fun we had as we unwrapped them and remembered so many good times.  Truman will always be a Saint to me for loving my Mother and having her with us on trips.  It must have been trying at time with all those females packed in the car and  at night in one small camper.  But he always wanted his girls to love travel and to see as much as we could of our country,  And we did see much.   Oh my I am in tears.  Tears for times gone by.  Tears of Joy and a little bittersweet too.

Betty Boop

For Villager

RESOLUTIONS

OR

NOT 

 

So another New Year.

What will it bring?

New things may appear,

Or to the old will I cling?

 

Eat healthy-not sweet.

Resolve to loose weight.

Be friendly to all I meet.

And worry less for my fate.

 

All good things to achieve.

I have thought about it a lot.

Sorry, but I just don't believe,

They will happen to "lazy" Dot.

By Dot Ellis



FOGGY MORNING

I found my poem in the Bubble trash can.(maybe it belongs there.)  Here it is

                                  RESOLUTIONS

It is that time of the year.
Look forward--not to the rear.
Resolutions are made -dig deep.
Sometimes hard to keep.

I know one for you to make,
Just waiting for you to take.
In our Library find NEW books.
Why not give it a look?

Dot Ellis  January 2117

I met a friend when I came out of the Cyber for breakfast.  She told me she put up a small tree for the first time in a while and decorated it with all the ornaments I made over the years and gave to her.  I want to see that.  Also met another who praised my gift too.  WOW, what a way to start the day  P.S.  disregard the blog just before this one as it is messed up.

Betty, big head, Boop
Betty Boop does have a rather large head.  Not me

CHOIR

Today we presented our Christmas program.  We did some traditional favorites and some beautiful new ones.  An hour long and I was tired but so pleased with it.  We had a big crowd.  Jan, Tommy, and Amy came.  I am so blessed with their support.  I also wrote my poem for the Library Board.  Those people in charge of it make me feel so appreciated and I am not sure how good my poems are, but I love doing them.     I would write it for you but I seem to have lost my copy.  O well maybe I can find it later. 

Good Night

Betty Boop                

                                     

FEEL LIKE SANTA

As I tripped down the hall, I felt like Ole St. Nick.  I did not have a bag thrown over my back but I did swing a Chilton County peach basket on my arm.  It was filled with many hours of special joy.  I made 50 small grapevine wreathe ornaments for my friends here at SCV.  I have gotten so  many sweet and nice thanks for them.  It took me three trips but I got it done and just hope I did not miss someone who I meant to give one to. 

Something good happened.  At least I hope it will be a good decision.  I asked about replacing my cat Penny.  You know it has been 5 years since she died.  I did not hold out much hope that they would grant me that choice again, since it has been so long.  I lost her within a couple of months when I moved here.  I was lucky to ask a "cat lover" and she was so kind and sweet.  Her Supervisor agreed to let me have another.  The search is on and I am super excited.  I need a cat.  You just can't pet a Beta fish.  Although I speak to him--he just stares at me and waits for food.  I will have to protect him from my future resident cat.  Amy is excited for me and will help me look for the right one.  All I know is I want a female and sweet personality.  We are going to visit the Madison pet shelter soon.  No rush,  Must get it right.

M.G. Ryan and Amy came to lunch--was fun and Ivy & Tripp came for a visit too.  I am blessed.

Betty Boop

FUN MORNING

Jan and Amy picked me up at 10;00 this morning.  Off for an adventure.  First we went to the Old Capitol to see how it looks since it's renovation.  It was beautifully restored after Katrina damaged it.  So much Mississippi history.  It feels strange to look at those people who guided our future.  What would they think of  us now?  I wonder. We decided to just take a tour of downtown Jackson while we were there.  I get to see downtown so seldom and my how it is changing all the time.  The roundabouts on Capitol street were interesting.  The many new buildings and old ones too being turned into apartments and many new offices.  Yet it was still familiar to me.   Some things never change (in your mind.)  We had the most wonderful lunch (my daughters treated me) at Two Sisters.  Located downtown on an off street in an old,old house.  My My was it the best.  Never had such good fried chicken and many home cooked veggies.  The bread pudding with whiskey sauce was to die for.  It was worth dealing with a little sugar spike.  On we went in and out all the streets off Capitol and then out West Capitol and stopped at Cedar Lawn Cemetery where a few of my relative rest.  Along with my mother and dad.  We took a picture of the grave site of Sophia Elizabeth Williams Gorday.  Our Sophie is named for her.  Many Elizabeth's in our family.  Even me.  The west part of Jackson was once a beautiful area with many interesting and lovely homes.  Sad to see them now.  I had a wonderful time.  My two daughters gave me a lot to think about and to enjoy.  I really liked our unexpected adventure.

Betty Boop
 

MY KIND OF DAY

Dark and dreary.  Brings out my dark side.  I love to go there from time to time. 
do you?  Maybe you call it your alone time.  Sounds better.  I think we all need that.  I just had breakfast in the Cyber.  Not another soul but me.  I guess others are sleeping in.  As I finished and left the halls were coming awake.  So strange, this place.  I have found my place.  I have started to delivering my little Christmas 'happies."  I hate to see them go, they are so beautiful all in a bunch on the bed.  One alone looks kind of small.  I hope they wont look that way to others.  You know I made 50 of them. So I organized them by apartment number and the floor they go on.  In others words, I made a list and am checking it twice--three times.  Don't mess up Dot.  That is my style I guess.  Good day to do this because I don't believe I will leave the building today.  Well--get to it.  I will put FIND IT IN FONDREN magazine in the Bubbles at the same time.  See I do have a day job.

Betty Boop

RAIN

I almost don't know what that wet stuff is.  Haven't seen much lately.  I do love a dark, rainy day.  It is the dark side of me I guess.  Had lunch after Church with Amy, M. G. and Ryan.  We ate at my favorite place.  Mr. Chin"s.  The shrimp was the best I have ever had there.  I think the cook today was a little American because the seasoning was excellent.  I drank the whole pot-o-tea!!  So good on a rainy day. 

This year I can't seem to get into the buying of gifts mood.  Don't know what to buy and I have a hard time shopping very long without just running out of energy.  Sign of my time of life I guess.  It is hard to give up some things.  I used to shop for hours and not get this tired.  O well, I am trying.

Betty Boop

PARTY !!

Don't tell me that you need alcohol to have fun.  The Shirley Temple bloody Mary's and egg nog did it for us.  The party for all of us was a big success.  Music by Madison Central group (thought about Bryan), and great food.  It was a full house.  I went with friend Betty.  We both agreed to stay 15 minutes and ended up staying the whole time,(one hour).  Laugh of you want to, but you can pack a lot of fun in an hour when you get old.  Nobody seemed old and it was a special treat to see Sister Dorothea dance.  That lady can dance and have fun.  Another nun did the same, can't remember her name.  I saw a man dance (and I don't mean just shuffle around) with his girl friend and he has had two knee replacements and walks very slow coming from the pool.  But they both had the "swing last night.  It was such a happy sight.  Wish I could have danced too.  I was just pooped out just watching.  It was a good and happy time.  I am glad I stayed till it was over.  Most did.  Bless Betty, she is going through a ruff time having just lost her daughter and her best friend out here.  Maybe I can be a better friend to her now,

Betty Boop

LOT GOING ON

I used to be exhausted by the end of the season from so many parties and events and all the planning and buying.  I am out of that now--somewhat.  It is all different now and after all I am almost 90 and run low on energy.  But this is where I am now.  We have many activities here and are  mine if I chose.  A party today will be a big event.  For all independent living and Marion Hall, Big Top of Dom next week,, a wonderful event the Sisters host at top floor of the St. Dominic's.  Endless music programs, open house of residents, And of course the Choir has our program.  Every one joins in with decorating their doors and the outside décor is fantastic.  I could go on and on and still could not tell it all.  How wonderful to live here--I am so blessed that I feel guilty to  have so much.  Thank you Lord and thank you Truman for providing me with such insight and love.

Betty Boop