SUNDAY

I woke up early and had breakfast then second cup of coffee on the balcony.  I watched it get light and pretended I was still on the Beach.  No pretty sunrise this morning.  Church was good and lunch with Amy, Sophie and Paul afterwards.  People are scattered.  M.G. and R. out of the country, Jan at the Grand Canyon and we are back from Alabama.  We are really traveling.  I am going to work at my list of things to do.  Read Sunday paper.  Big thing for me because I love the Sunday paper.  I brought flowers from Church and plan to take some to a friend here.   Then write my bills for the month.  I am going to get out my Thanksgiving and November decorations.  Fun!! I hope you like to read my "doings" each day.  They seem tame beside all my readers' list.  But life is what it is and I guess all the things you all do are behind me and I am as the old lady said who fell off the wagon and watched it roll away--"Well, I am out of  that now." Laugh for the day.

Betty Boop

ABOUT THE BEACH

I am still on the beach.  Here are three short poems that came to me actually the first day we were there.  After that  my mind went into lazy mode and no more poems came to mind.  Here are a few thoughts.

REMEMBERING  (the sisters)

 

As the sun warms the beach,

Water, sand, as far as eyes can reach,

As they stroll on their walk,

They talk.

 

Red-haired, Brunette, & Blonde.

They have a special bond,

Of sharing memories-long forgot-

Or not. 

 

MEMORIES  

 

The sun brings diamonds on the sea.

Bringing memories back to me.

The water is very calm'

To my soul brings a certain balm.

(about me of course)

 

THREE GENERATIONS (written after Whitney joined us for a day.)

 

Around the table they all sit.

How rare can this get?

Eager to enjoy each other.

Daughters, sisters, and grandmother.

 

Each telling their own stories.

Weather of fame, fortune, or glories.

So much happens when you are apart.

Sharing love from the heart.

 

It is right and good to live your own lives,

But sooner or later the time arrives,

When you really want to share.

With some families this is rare.

 

I am glad we had this time together and hope to do it some more.

 

Betty Boop

AND WE'RE BACK

What an unusual experience--Mom and daughters only.  We ate, slept, talked and not talked as we pleased.  Wonderful food (really got to get back on track).  Never heard my daughters talk so much.  I did not read my books as I planned.  Can do that anytime, but was rare to listen and not make any suggestions to solutions, but just listen.  Not that I have ever been one to "butt in"  too much but just to talk and discover some opinions and thoughts was in a way cleansing and important.  Of course we laughed a lot and enjoyed it.  I did not get on the beach but they did.  The condo was nice and right on the beach.  Beautiful sunrise and sunsets and beautiful clouds and blue sky in between.  I was pampered and did not feel too guilty.  All in all it was a wonderful get-a-way.   I wrote three poems and was inspired by my surroundings.  I will type them later.  Oh yes, the highlight was Whitney coming and spending a day and having lunch and dinner with us.  Three generations.  How rare and great. Thanks again to Jan for providing this blessing of the condo.  And thanks to Linda and Amy.  What wonderful daughters I am blessed with.  Thank you Lord.



Betty Boop

LAST MINUTE STUFF

My Lord, you would think I am going on a world tour the way I am feeling about a few days at the beach.  I guess I am ready to get away.  You know as great as this place is--there is a big world out there.  I am even going to forget the big election.  It has bothered me a lot this year.  I do  hope I can keep up with DANCING WITH THE STARS on Monday.  That is one of my passions.    How wonderful this temperature is this morning. 42 degrees.  I may have to adjust my packed bags.  Hard to know just what I need.  I usually miss the mark, but surely it wont matter too much.  I have a couple of good historical, romances to read.  Did you even know romance could be historical?   Oh yes.  The early settlers as well as now.  Oh well, very light reading and entertaining as well.    I go on and on and I really need to get up and get it together.  Linda will be here this afternoon and I want to have these things off my mind.  May not write till I come home.

Betty Boop

AND AWAY WE GO

I did not think I was going to have a " get-away"  this year.  Well we did have a camping trip in the Spring, but had to cancel the Fall one  and the Big Beach week,  Here I am stuffing all I can get into one bag and a few "sacks" to go to Orange Beach.  And with only my three daughters.  Now that is a first.  I have always said I wanted to go to the beach in the winter.  Maybe for Christmas or Thanksgiving.  Sounds like it would be fun.  But this trip will be more than fun.  To be with my daughters only will be special.  I am worse than a baby to take any place anymore.  So much baggage that I require just to exist.            It has turned cooler and more like Fall.  I am sure the beach and crowds will be different.  No  Chilton County peaches or that wonderful Silver King corn, but plenty of seafood will make up for it.  I am blessed and super excited.

Betty Boop

EARLY

I woke at 6:00 a.m. and decided to just get up.  It takes me longer to do anything now, so I need the extra time.  By 6:45 I was sitting on my balcony with my second cup-o-jo.  I do make coffee some time.  My oatmeal with blueberries and banana was so good.  I observed our resident Egret skimming across the lake, looking for the best spot to find breakfast.  He is so beautiful and King of the Lake. 

This is a wonderful place to start the day.  My day is fresh and clean before I get into it. I decided to make a list when I began to think about our Beach get away.  It always helps me to calm down and get ready.  I am so needy and have to take a lot of baggage, so I must not forget anything.        Well get to it Old Girl, there is plenty to do.

Betty Boop

ANGELS

Do you believe in Angels?
 I most certainly do.  I meet them every day and night too.  In Exodus 23:20, "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."  I choose to believe that that verse is meant for me. An angel crosses my path every day.  I make it a practice to say to someone who does something for me "You are my angel for today, thank you."  The responses are priceless.  I met one yesterday in Wal-Mart.  I could not reach detergent that was on the top shelf(surprise.)  I waited till a young woman taller than me(most are) came along and asked her if she would reach my detergent for me.  I told her she was my angel for today.  She laughed and said, "I am far from that."  I still think she was mine for the day.  Jan is one.  She spent the most of the day with me doing countless task that I need help with.     As it says in Psalms 91:11---" God will put angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go."  Now some of my blog today come from my devotional for today--but most is from me. 

End of sermon.
Betty Boop

TEA & CRUMPETS

Tea and Crumpets was so much fun yesterday. The table where I sat had a beautiful tablescape Diana, our assistant activities director (new and young and beautiful) did the one I sat at.  I don't know where these people keep all the pretty stuff that was used.  Lot of talent.  Do you know what a crumpet is? My dictionary says it is a small unsweet batter cake, baked on a griddle, usually toasted before served.  Now you know-- but our kitchen does not.  There was a little square of blueberry crumb cake, too sweet. a plain sugar cookie still too sweet, two kinds of cheese and whole wheat crackers on the plate.  Go figure.  It was good and free, but not much like I expected.  I can't tell you what the drink was because it too was not tea and  still too sweet.  Oh well, we had pretty piano music and a lady to demonstrate how to tie scarves.  She was good, but I still can't do it.  I think everyone was there. dressed up and enjoying a "girlie" thing.  Today, we had a Christmas in October sale.  Nice and lovely things made by residents.  We have so much talent here.  I could have sold my little Christmas wreaths, but what would I then give my friends for Christmas?--- Lunch was good with three others that I know but do not usually eat with.  It was good to hear some new stories. Sitting next to us was Father Frank, retired priest who lives here.  He had three good looking young Irish priest as guest.  We loved hearing them talk.  They were enjoying themselves and Father Frank was in rare form.----today   I meant to go to the grocery store today But I ran out of energy.  Maybe another day.

Betty Boop

Betty Boop

Betty Boop

DINNERS, DOCTORS, AND DAUGHTERS

The last two days have been full.  Tommy at the History club and lunch after was good.  Went to eye Dr. and lunch with Jan.  Amy went to the foot Dr. with me today and we met Jan for lunch at the Trace Grill.  One of our favorites.  Good news-there is going to be a beach few days after all.  This time it is for OLD Girl and her Chicks.  Linda, Jan and Amy.  We are working out the details right now,  I am super excited. 
Tomorrow we are having an affair here that should be so nice.  TEA AND CRUMPETS.  The tables will be decorated by different ladies here.  Tablescapes they call  them.  We did one at the Church a few years ago,  I did a table with a Maypole surrounded by cute little clothespin dolls.  All dressed so pretty,  My that was fun.  I will enjoy others for this one.  I just don't have the " stuff" to do it with anymore.  This should be fun. 

Betty Boop

BUSY WRITING

This first one is for the VILLAGER.        

SMILES

I must write a poem for you,
Sometimes not easy to do.
The subject of SMILES comes to me.
Write quick-or the thought will flee.

Smiles can brighten your day.
As you go along your way.
Weather you give or receive one,
I think it's lots of fun.

Then one for the Library Board. 

GIVE THANKS

It is that time of year.
Thanksgiving Day is near.
Be thankful every day.
For blessings that come our way.
   
Not only for turkey and pie,
As we push from table and sigh,
But for friends, family and love.
Remember blessings come from above.

Dot Ellis 
Just thought you would like to see what I am doing. Every time I write a couple each month, I think I can't write any more, but I am urged and flattered till I do it all over again.  Well it keeps my mind busy and eyes open for subjects.  That is a good thing--I think.

Betty Boop

EARLY START

Well not really.  I slept till 7 A, M.  New to me.  I guess I needed it.  I managed to get to the Cyber by 8 for breakfast.  I like to go early because I would just as soon eat alone as with people that early.  I like people but not that early for conversation.  Truman and I used to go about our breakfast preps (yes he helped me fix breakfast) in silence and even ate without many words.  Just the way most people do I think.  Anyway that's what I did this morning.  Back up to shampoo, and wash clothes and other sunder things.  Jan was busy this morning so she did not come till afternoon.  We did a few thing and I was glad to see her.  She and Amy are so good to come often.  Now I am warming up some of my veg. soup that I put in the freezer a while ago.  Good to have good resources to depend on.  I also cooked some Honey Crisp apples.  Have you tried them?  They are so sweet and good.  Raw or cooked with a little cinnamon. 

Betty Boop

UP WITH THE SUN

The sky was beautiful as the sun rose this morning.  I sat on my balcony (66 degrees) and had my breakfast tea.  What an experience to see it from the balcony.  Good way to start and ask for a good day.  Been dealing with Blood Sugar issues the last few days.  Don't understand how I try so hard to manage it and still have trouble.  Maybe I am trying too hard.  SUNRISE, the betta, is settled and in his new home.  Amy set it up yesterday and I am pleased to have company again.  Even though I can't touch him, I can talk to him and I don't feel like an idiot talking out loud to myself.  Yes I do that sometime. 

Well time is racing and I must get to my day.  Made pumpkin bread for coffee group, then we will exercise it off.  I may pass eating it  today and try to be "good."

Betty Boop

SUNRISE

The title of this blog is Sunrise.  Bet you think of me watching the sun rise?  Well I did do that but that is not why the title.  I have been thinking about a name for my beautiful red Betta fish.  I thought of Flash Gordon, Little Bit, Buddy, Dexter, , and more, but this morning as I opened the drapes and looked out at the sun just starting to rise-I thought of Sunrise for his name.  So be it.  He is the first thing I tend to after looking at the sunrise, so it is appropriate .  Don't you think so?  He is still in the container I brought him home in because I am not sure how to set this tank up.  It requires a college degree.  Help!!!!.  So Sunrise the fish may have to wait out a few sunrises before I get him to his new home.  Meanwhile, he knows no different from when he sat in the shelf at Petco.

Betty Boop

WEDNESDAY

The day started early.  I woke up at 6:00 AM.  Got up because I had a full day ahead.  Did not skip Exercise class but ducked out early to get ready for appointment with eye Dr.  Jan arrived to take me.  I got to ride in her new van,  I kept telling her how I loved the new car smell.  It is very nice.  We were surprised when they took us in on time.  So many times we wait a while.  But I got a very good report.  Dr. Ford said it was good considering all I had been through over the years.  Been a long time to take care and I am so grateful for my eyesight.  We went to Piccadilly (sp).   Oh my it was delish!!!!.  Nobody cooks boiled okra like they do.  We had a veg. plate.  We need to get these cooks to teach our Yankee chef how to cook veggies.  We than went to Petco to buy a new Betta fish since I lost Blueberry.  I got a new bowl and new everything.  He is red and pretty.  Now what to name him?  Strawberry? or some other red berry?  No I don't think so.  I am waiting for Jan to help me put it all together.  I was just to wiped out to deal with it.  Took a nap.  I must face it==can't do as much as I used to.  Wonder why? Thanks to my sweet and patient daughter, Jan.

Betty Boop

Betty

NOTHING MUCH (just normal)

One of those days when things seem to rock along with not much of help from me.  Maybe they all rock along without my help, just sometime I seem so involved and think I am important--and I'm not at all.  When my blood sugar starts out normal and I have soft boiled egg, sausage patty, half of English muffin V8  juice and coffee, I consider that normal.  Then something else normal as shampoo and change sheets and do  my personal laundry, plus get a flu shot(here). Have a good lunch with friends, nap, read and get set for DANCING WITH THE STARS . well all pretty normal and routine and I will take it. So went my day.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

What wonderful weather.  Amy. Sophia,  Paul and I had lunch on the patio of Sol-Shine (sp).  It was beautiful.  We enjoyed it so much.  Went to Church first.  Went to put Fall flowers for Truman, home and nap.  I read Sunday paper, it is a big one.  Then paid my bills and then filled my pill box for the week.  Now don't tell me I have nothing to do.

Betty Boop

SHARE A POEM (not mine)

You know I love poems.  I have even made a stab at writing a few.  A way to express my feelings.  Here are two, one I do not know the author and the second I do,  The second is an answer to the first.  Made clear or cloudy?  Anyway, enjoy.

 

We squander health in search of wealth,

We scheme and toil and save.

then squander wealth in search of health

and all we get is a grave.

We live and boast of what we own,

We die and only get a stone.

 

 

Answer

 

 

 

 

Life's about morning walks and lengthy talks.

Smelling flowers, enjoying showers.

For writing books, exploring nooks.

I'll squander not my health for wealth.

For when I die, I'll call your bluff,

I'll leave thoughts, instead of stuff.

 

I wish I could say I wrote the answer, but I did not, but I believe it says a lot to think about.

 

BETTY (dreaming) BOOP