HAPPY BIRTHDAY

90?  Yes I am surprised at this.  Never thought I would get this far.  And it seemed to go fast.  A lot of living in 90 years.  And so much of it has been the best I could have wished for.  Woke up early and as I sat on the side of my bed deciding what to do next, I said "Dear Lord, why am I still here.  What is left for me to do?"  I know that it is not for me to decide and I guess He has something more for me.   I went to lunch with three of my best friends here.  They arranged it for me.  We had fun and I am very thankful for their friendship.  I have received many cards and best wishes.  Some written words were so sweet and I am humbled by the comments.  I try to be friendly with everyone and what goes around comes around.  So true.  Jan and Amy came this afternoon bearing beautiful flowers and I was so excited to receive a wonderful gift too.  A DUSTBUSTER.  I have wanted one ever since I have been here.  It  will help me keep my Kitty's space clean and many other uses too.  We had a good time visiting. The fun is not over as they plan a lunch Sunday.  Linda and Joe are coming.  I feel so loved.  God is good!!!!!

Betty Boop

BITSY STORIES

I know--are you tired of Bitsy?  Well here goes another story.  I fix my breakfast while she feast on hers.  This morning she noticed my wall clock in the kitchen.  She sat and watched the minute hand go round and round. She started to yowl. (sp) and yowl and yowl.  What now?  I asked.  So I picked her up and held her close to the clock and she couldn't get enough of it.  I put her down and she yowled on and on till I left the kitchen, my breakfast made and went to eat it.  Finally she gave it up.  Strange little creature.  Oh and she has taken up TV watching.  In my chair.  So we have to share the space some time. 

On and on. forgive me.  I saw a beautiful sunrise.  Seems we will have nearer winter like weather for a while.  Our Winters are so mild now. Al Gore was right about climate change.  Did he invent that too?

Betty Boop

THIS - THAT-&- THE - OTHER

This, that, and the other says I don't have much to say.  I feel compelled to write each morning, even though I know it is boring to you.  Well the weather is always a good subject here because it is ever changing.  This morning it is 34 degrees and promise of sunshine.  Sounds good to me.  As I ate breakfast and  looking out the glass doors, I saw a small plane making streaks across the horizon.  It was so pretty and then I noticed Bitsy watching it too.  I wonder what she thought.  She loves those glass doors  to the balcony and spends a lot of time just gazing out.  I do too.  She is so cute at night as she comes alive to play time.  Across the room she will race and then from one end of the apartment to the other.  Get out of her way as she may knock you down.  I just sit and watch as I know she is having fun and getting exercise too.  She has surely added something new to my life.   I talk to her and she seems to agree with me.  Nice.  Her new thing is to make the bed in the morning  with me.  Loves to be covered with the sheet and blanket.  Some day I will list all her games she plays.  I sound like a new grandmother telling about her new addition.  I know how to do that.  I need to go to  PETSMART and buy a few toys.  This ball of foil with a string attached is getting old, but still has a few jumps left in it. Thanks to M.G., who knows pets.



Betty Boop

NEW PERSONALITY

My little mild and calm kitty, Bitsy, is changing.  I guess cats do that.  They are a mystery.  The have been around for many years in history.  I took pictures of cats on some of our travels.  I saw cats in many countries that we visited.  So back to the present cat.  The terror of St. Catherine's.  Well this small apartment anyway.  It seems smaller since she moved in.  I close her in the office\extra bedroom at night.  Don't want her bothering me at night.  Well, it gets small to her too.  I know cats stay awake most of the night.  Although I can't hear her and she doesn't keep me awake, I see evidence that she has been busy.  This morning I tried to make my wake up call and the phone was dead.  I tried everything to understand it--went into "her" room and my phone was knocked off the desk and of course off the hook.  Thank goodness it worked.  Drat that cat.  I need to write a poem about you.  Not sure I want to.   Still she can be cute and sweet.  Loves for me to brush her.  Sits on my lap and does not even bite when I brush and brush, and brush!!  She just needs more play I guess.  But I think she should be caught up on the love she surely missed before she found me.  She is a keeper, but she needs to mind her manners.

Betty Boop

UNDER THE WEATHER

Wonder where that phrase comes from?  under the weather.  Doesn't fit according to my thinking.  Anyway I can't get this Blood Sugar under control.  It makes me feel soooo bad.  Can' figure it out.  Changing the meds, dropping some is the reason I guess.  Will have to talk to the Doctor soon. 

This cat!!!   She is right at home now and thinks she owns the place, me included.  She has to have play time at night and early in the morning.  I need some toys before she attacks me again.  My arms and hands are her target.  They look bad enough without bites(yes bites) and scratches.  How to cure her biting me?  I hate that.  I can't go around with a water sprint bottle strapped to my waist.  Or can I?

Pray for me to get to feeling better.  I have so much I want to do.

Betty  (complaining) Boop 

ARCHIVES

Saturday, Jan and I held hands and went down Memory Lane once again.  She is just about as bad as me about throwing things away.  The files we went through yesterday were a lot of files of Truman's business adventures.  Young men you could have learned some things from how he built a successful portfolio.  And why I am reaping the benefits of his adventures.  He really believed in real estate.  Of course I know the times were good for that then.  But he built his career one step at a time. And he was in the position to know a lot about what was going on.  He kept every newspaper clipping you could imagine.  It gave us a look at his success and also the kind of man he was.  I know it is easy to look back at someone's life and remember the best things.  I am guilty.  But it was not all "roses."  It was a struggle and hard times were a mix.  But I choose to remember the best of Truman, and there was a lot of "best".  Jan could not part with the archives that were his life.  She said you just can't throw that away--so we ended up keeping most of those files. 

Betty Boop

THUNDER

Very early.  I did not look at the clock, thunder startled me awake. Passed on off and this morning the sun is shinning. I feel like I missed winter.  Although the weather man predict some winter weather later this month and in February.  That is usually the time for winter here.  I have thought about getting a new winter coat because mine is so heavy and out of style, but maybe I wont even need it. 

I found out where Bitsy sleeps some of the time at night.  She has a sweet and soft little bed  and uses it some.  But this morning when I opened the door to "her" bedroom  she was on top of my laptop on the desk.  I surmised that because I leave it turned on it is warm and there she sleeps.  Oh well what can I do?           Jan is coming I think.  We have a few things to take care of.  I like for her to eat lunch too.  I had breakfast with three other old girls this morning.  We talked about various things but among them the Inauguration and what the ladies wore.  My there was a lot of money spent on that day.  Got to go and do my hair. and a few other things before Jan comes.

Betty Boop

CRAZY WEATHER

It seems to me that I talk about the weather being so crazy all the time.  And it is.  Up and down.  New poems for Library board and the Villager.

VALENTINE"S DAY

 

Candy would be "sweet".

Flowers are nice too.

But for a real treat,

Tell you what to do.

 

If you really want to win me,

And make my heart beat fast.

Give me a great new book and see,

I'll be yours at last.

 

MEMORY BANK

 

I have a secret place to go,

It is only in my mind,

Very nostalgic, I know.

But Memories there I find.

 

Sometimes they are fun,

Sometimes they are sad.

And when I am done,

Reminds me of what I've had.

 

Important. I am quick to say.

Like Books,--check them back in.

They will keep till another day,

And enjoy them once again.

Dot Ellis 2017

 

Betty Boop



GHOST WRITER

Did you receive a strange message from me this morning?  When I opened the door to Bitsy's "bedroom" out she shot like she was guilty-as-charged.  Soon discovered my computer was on.  I usually turn it off and shut it up.  Left it open last night and a little gremlin snuck in and tried to use it. I think she was trying to send a message to her cell mates at the shelter where she used to live.  Could that be?  Well anyway it was on and I know I will shut  it down from now on.  Can't have Bitsy ordering from Over Stock or e-bay. 

It is a rainy day and thank goodness I get to stay here today.  Bright spot--Amy is coming to visit and have lunch.  Lucky me.

Betty Boop

CAT JUNGLE?

I am trying to teach Bitsy how to use the scratching post.  All her equipment is "state of the art."  Really spoiled cat.  She  jumped on the scratching post the minute Jan brought it.  I thought what a smart cat.  Since then she has mostly ignored it and she has such sharp fangs-not claws.  I set it out in the middle of the room and scratched it briskly and she started to attack it.  And in the process she got my finger.  My did it bleed.  I will not do that again. I'll be quicker or wear gloves.  Silly.  She was sorry as she watched me wash, Neosporin, and band aid my wound.  I lost her once yesterday.  Looked everywhere she hides.  Finally found her under the ottoman where I sit in my blue chair.  Almost creamed her as I pushed it aside to get up.  She keeps me alert. 

I have a full day ahead.  My new exercise class, and it is harder, then play practice.  Both take strength and focus.  Am I up to  this?  I guess down deep I am trying to prove to myself that YES I CAN. 
Betty Boop

BLOG TOO LONG?

I realized when It was hinted to me that my blogs were a tad long that it was true.  Also the last ones were filled with antics and info about my new kitty.  I admit she has consumed my thoughts and actions lately.  Hard to ignore.  I will try to keep it shorter and maybe you will read it all.  Just one more thing--I have come to a decision on a name for Miss kitty==Since she is so itty bitty and probably will stay that way, I have named her Bitsy. 

Betty Boop

LITTLE EXCITEMENT

I had an appointment for  an annual physical.  So did Jan.  Same clinic an hour apart.  We worked it out.  Jan went earlier than me.  So she went and Amy took me an hour later.  Blood work first and then we ate breakfast at the restaurant at the Belhaven bldg.  I had my physical, Amy waited till I met up with Jan and Jan went in with me for my results so she could hear  and help me talk with the Dr.  Two heads are better than one.  Are you still with me?  All finished and got good reports for me and her.  What a deal.  Jan and I went to Picidilly and had liver with onion gravy and veggies.  I am stuffed. 

Miss no name Kitty pulled one on me this morning as I was leaving to go to Dr.  I thought I was watching her but she slipped by me as I went out the door.  She was so excited, and so was I, as she bounced down the hall just beyond my reach.  I corralled her under a table and had to get down to grab her.  Now I have a hard time getting down and up.  Finally caught her and pushed her back a little forcefully into my apartment.  Boy they did not need to take my blood pressure right then.  I learned from the escapade and will be more careful next time.  What a morning.  I needed a nap.

Betty Boop

LADY MAC BETH?

Still toying with names for this itsy bitsy kitty.  Hey maybe Bitsy?  It would fit
 her, since she is so tiny.  Now I don't know much about Shakespeare but the name Lady Mac Beth always sounded pretty to me. 

She is doing just fine and fits right in.  She is so interested in the computer but runs when I open the fridge.  As she is always at my heels, I am the one learning to watch my step.  So the routine goes on.  She is taking a bath in the sunny spot on the bed and watching me type now.  But it took only one rebuff to scoot her off the computer this morning. Progress!!.  She has to learn a few rules if we are to live so close.  Breaking a few is O.K. I can bend too.

Betty Boop

MY AUDIENCE

I have an audience that watches me faithfully.  I have not had that for almost 6 years.  Of course my on stage performances here at SCV do not count,  My kitty, still unnamed. follows my every move.  Maybe she will get enough soon.  How many times can putting on make up or dressing or making the bed or I could go on and on seem interesting?  Look around and down or up and she is there.  I am getting to where I like it.  Makes me feel special and needed.  I keep calling her "Penny" without thinking.  Maybe I'll call her Penny 11.

We have a display of  wedding pictures loaned by residents of their wedding day in the case downstairs.  So pretty and interesting that some  grooms are in WW11 uniform .  I regret that Truman and I did not have a picture of us in our wedding outfits. Truman had a first time tailored suit and I had a hat with a big pink feather on top.  We looked good!!  I have one taken on our honeymoon. We just did not have much money and neither did our parents.  So be it --it lasted just as long and longer than most.  And I always say--we have our memories.  Miss Kitty is asleep on the bed behind me.  All tuckered out for her job of observing I guess.

Betty Boop

ME AND MY SHADOW

Another old old tune, ME AND MY SHADOW.  It is for real for me.  This little kitty loves me or she is just ready to love anybody and have them love her.  She follows me everywhere.  I can't get used to that.  I did not think I could take it all night!!  So I decided to start her off right.  I put a blanket on the guest room bed and moved her food there.  Her litter is already in that bathroom.  Kissed her goodnight and wished her well and see you in the morning and shut the door. Now I bet you think that did not work.  Well it did.    Surprise!!  It did and she did not make a peep till I opened the door and greeted her good morning.  We both slept well but the old follow the leader game is still on.  Now she is on the blanket while I compute.  OOPS, she is in my lap and causing funny things to appear on the screen.  I will close and pet her a little.  More later.  You may get tired of my new subject.  Hope not.  She is a joy.

Betty Boop








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SOMEONE IS FOLLOWING ME.

Well, I did not get Callie but I did get Addison.  Callie would not have much to do with me, but Addison did.  I will just change her name to Callie.  I know she will not mind.  Call her anything and she is there.  She follows me wherever I go. She moved in and seemed to have always lived here.  I think she is loved starved.  How sad to think of the abuse she may have had,  There were so many there that needed love.  But mine needed me more than all of them.  I think we will get along fine.  I am sure she will sleep with me tonight..  I could shut her out but don't want to do that.  She is a beautiful small cat for her age.  They think she is about a year old.  Small and light weight.  She suffered from stress and had a loss of weight, I will fatten her up.  She is calico and long hair which helps her look bigger than she is. 

We are in love with each other already.

Betty Boop

DREAMS COME TRUE

I have thought a lot about getting a Kitty to take Penny's place.  As you know I lost her shortly after I moved here.  Truman was very ill and I could not even think about another kitty at the time.  Almost 6 years have gone by without a pet except a Beta fish.  It is time to do something about that void.  I have seen "Callie" on video at the shelter where she has lived for 4 years.  About time for a rescue.  Amy and I are going to visit her today.  Weather I can have her--we will see.  Although I am prepared to bring her home.  Wish us luck.  If I do bring her home with me, you can see her on Amy's blog later this afternoon.  First I have an appointment with foot Dr. this morning to be clipped.  You needed to know that I am sure.  I tend to "tell it all."

Betty Boop

PRETTY GOOD SHAPE

Not bragging or anything like that, but I made it through the second session of workout.  Really it was easier than Monday.  Jan was right--it does get better so hang in there.  I got my breath back and then went to Play practice,  Second one for that too and it is coming along real good. 

I just had lunch in my apartment.  Tuna fish salad with cheese slices and strawberries and blueberries on the side.  I made for myself something I had been wanting for dessert.  Sugar free, instant chocolate pudding made with fat-free milk-topped with sugar free, fat free topping.  Yum, Yum!!  No really it was very good.  Very healthy and satisfies my love for sweets. 

Off for a nap and then I must get some inspiration for two poems.  Help!!

Betty Boop

OUT OF SHAPE

I thought I was in pretty good shape, but yesterday I found out different.  We have been begging for a new workout program.  Nothing has changed since I have been here.  Well finally she brought an expert to do over our work out.  She was in her 50's and looked 23.  We had music which I wanted and a workout similar to Silver Sneakers that I did 6 years ago at the Courthouse,  Six years have taken a real toll on my old body.  I was determined to finish it.  I did and it almost finished me as I crept out of bed this morning.  I don't know if I can or should try it on Wednesday.  My pride may be bigger than me.  We had a room full and I realized most were 15 to 20 years younger than me.  Just another example of pushing the old aside and younger to take their place.  Feeling sorry for myself and my "old" friends.  We are troupers but their is a limit to what we can or should even try to do.  I am sore in many spots this morning.  Maybe I will feel better by next session tomorrow.

Betty (old girl) Boop

MR CHIN's

Best shrimp dish in town.  When we go I think about trying something else but the shrimp with veggies always wins out.  Paul, Sophie, M. G. and Amy and I enjoyed the food and company.  Missed Ryan as he had work to do. 

So few at Church.  The weather with still ice on the roads and driveways kept some away.  It is something to be careful with.  Crazy but they predict 70's at the end of the week.         I took Sophie some brass candle sticks that were my Mama's. Sophie is interested in them now.  Hope she enjoys them and will give them a new home.  I have a few things that I want to see used and enjoyed as I used them.  What better place for them than with my Grand Daughter.  She talked about remembering the Riverwood house and yard.  She and Mary Grace remembered having many fun times there.  I am glad to know they remember.  You would have thought M.G. was digging at ancient digs when she found old bottles and other stuff as she dug in the lake banks.  It really was a good house and yard and lake.  I loved having them over for the night too.  We checked out memories at my Memory Bank.  Now check them back in for safe keeping.

Betty Boop

Brrrrrrr Cold

Yes it is cold.  No snow in Madison to count but a little in some places.  The ice and sleet is the real problem.  Our putting green is white.  Looks like an ice rink.  No golf today.  The sun is out but the Blues Marathon was canceled because of icy streets where they would run.  I am sorry for them.  It was to be such a great event. 

I had breakfast this morning with three other ladies.  My silence at breakfast was broken.  I don't want to complain but I did enjoy the solitude I had been having.  But I welcomed them when they asked to sit with me.  That is the way I am.  Can't hurt any feelings if I can help it.  I believe that is the way to be.  The courtyard looked so pretty with the ice still on it this morning.  I am glad I did not have any worries of ice doing damage to a house or yard.  Been there. done that.  Truman and I used to worry about the trees  in our yard.  Especially the big oak at the back door.  It was so tiny when he planted it too close to the house.  It seemed no threat at the time.  But it grew and grew and he threatened it all the time to cut it down.  My those days seem so far away now.  A lot of living went on in that house on Riverwood.  Meadowridge too.  All started in 1946 on Northview Drive.  Let me go before I get on the Memory Lane.




Betty Boop

SNOW?

Ah, we do get carried away when snow is mentioned.  Even schools start to close overnight--before snow is first predicted .  Well I am looking out the window too.  A little sprinkling of the white stuff would be exciting.  It is freezing but nothing yet. Bryan and Ashley and Cary and David would laugh at us.  They see much snow each season. 

I am glad to stay inside today.  Little exercise and coffee with friends and read and be content.

Betty Boop
P.S.  Should I name my new kitty (don't have her yet)  Betty Boop?

SORRY MOM-ONE CAVITY

Went to the dentist and can't say "Look Mom-no cavities."  I haven't had a cavity in years, but he found a small one today.  Fixed it and really charged me!  I do not have dental insurance.  Would have been nice today.  He said as always that I have good teeth and he bet I had better teeth than many in SCV.  That helped a lot!! At least I still have all of them!!

Amy took me and we met Jan for lunch at Rainbow Café.  Haven't been there lately and enjoyed it very much.  Well we are looking for bad weather tonight and tomorrow.  Wonder if it will come.  Hope the Blues Marathon can still run on Saturday.  That is such a neat thing for our cities. I guess dedicated runners run in cold weather.  Maybe a little snow to mx it up.  We will see.

Betty Boop

WHAT HAVE I DONE NOW?

I just got back from play tryouts.  We are doing a play written by resident Don. who has done them before.  It is called THE BEVERLY HILLBILLS GO TO BRANSON Think about that title.  I landed the part of Lou Costello doing a act with Bud Abbott.  You remember them I know.  Lou is the short fat stupid one.  I can see me fat, short and in a checked coat and bowler hat.  It will be fun (I hope.)  The play will be February 14th at 6:45.  Not a lot of time but we can do it. 

Betty Boop

SUN IS OUT

A little storm rocked us yesterday.  We are now getting the rain we have been missing.  but the sun is out today and the temp is pleasant.  When will we get some Winter?  Just wait and it will come.  However I remember last year it was mild. 

I don't have much to say today.  Unless you want to hear that I did laundry and went to lunch with my friend Betty. and a couple who are not married but are very good friends..  So be it.  The salmon was delish today.  I skipped dessert as I am still having sugar issues.  Just don't understand it.  I get a physical this month.  Maybe Dr. will shed some light.  You would think I would understand it more since I have been dealing with it for so long.  Maybe it is because I am getting older and my body is ever changing.  I don't. Know.\\See I don't have much interesting to talk about--so I will stop
Betty Boop

SOGGY SUNDAY

This weather is getting tiresome.  I have a beautiful pink sweater and It has been too hot to wear it.  Oh well the way I make friends with my clothes, I hate to give them up.  So I may have a long time to wear it.. 

Amy and I went to M. G. & Ryan's house after Church for lunch today.  The grand dogs were glad to see us.  Mary Grace is such a good cook.  She made corned beef.  So good with potatoes and carrots,  wonderful salad of escarole and dressing she made.  Also served with horseradish for the beef.  And to top it off we had a glass of champagne for good luck.  A little party for the New Year.  They always make me feel welcome and loved.  We all toasted each other with good wishes for 2017. 

Church was good.  We had communion.  The music was good.  I always feel at peace when I go and refresh my mind and let the problems of just everyday living fade.  I took the last of the decorations down and Amy let me borrow her blue delft stuff.  It looks so pretty in the hall entrance.  I am now drinking sugar-free hot chocolate and getting ready to finish the Sunday paper. 

I am sure you love people who feel they have to tell you all this stuff. but nothing else of interest is going on.  I think I saw my future kitty on video.  She is a calico named "Callie."  That fits.  Just  maybe I will get to see her soon.  Am I crazy?  Maybe

Betty Boop