RAINY MONDAY

Some like rainy Mondays----some don't.  I do.  The dark side of me.  I did a birthday card and flower for my dear friend Warden this morning,  she was so appreciative of it.  Her of all people , for she is an artist, wants me to teach her how to make tissue flowers. 

Did you all stay up to watch the Oscars's?  I did.  If you didn't , you missed a surprise finish.  Kind of like seeing a touchdown at the last minute.  Such a shock to be told you win and then find it is a mistake.  Because it went till eleven I lost a little sleep and over slept this morning.  I hate to rush anymore.  But I made it.  Even cleaned Bitsy's bathroom .  Just back from exercise class and will eat lunch with Betty.  I read the menu for today and one of the entree's is BLT sandwich.  A first for the dinning room.  I might try it and get veggies to go with You know how I love bacon(the real thing.

Betty & Bitsy

SUNDAY

After our usual MARDI GRAS celebration at Church with music by the SOUTHERN KOMFORT BAND we were invited to lunch at the Patrick's house.  It has become a tradition for the band to play. The church was filled with music and we had a good crowd.  I enjoyed it.  Nothing like singing songs like I FLY AWAY and DOWN BY THE RIVER SIDE to a brass band.  Little bit of New Orleans.   The lunch at M. G. and Ryan's house was as usual great.  The make a beautiful wedge salad and Mary Grace made a steak pot pie that was simply delish !!  The dogs were friendly and the conversation good.  Home with flowers from the Church and put some in the bubble for everyone to enjoy.  Purple, yellow and green for Mardi Gras.  Bitsy and I took a nap together on my bed.  She is now taking a bath while I write.  I have company with her here.  So nice to have someone to talk to and while she does little to carry her end, she is a good listener.

Betty Boop  

MARCH POEM

BLOW RIGHT IN

 

by dot

 

March wind blows chilly and strong.

We know it wont be long,

Till a change is in sight.

Don't look at it with fright.

 

For the "Ides of March" are upon us.              

Don't let it get you down.

Just check out a book to discuss.

Good books in our Library abound.

 

This is for the Library board so I have to tie it to the subject of the Library & Here are a few Haiku I wrote for the VILLAGER

 

BREAKFAST

 

I am pleased to have breakfast

in the happy company of sunshine, light,

flowing beautifully through my window.

 

CANADA GEESE

 

Canada geese have flown away,

I hesitate to express my missing them

for they are not welcome.

 

ON STAGE

 

Oh, I stand on stage

with others of like fear, trembling

just hoping it's soon over.

 

HERON

 

I say good morning today

to many friends on the Lake

King Heron and many ducks.

 

AIR PLANE

 

Out of the blue I see,

back and forth through the sky,

a plane spreading fun, making clouds.

 

WINTER SKY

 

A gray and winter sky,

everything around seems asleep and hiding

soon that all will change.                                                

Betty Boop

 



CLOUDS ROLL BY

I have been sitting on the balcony drinking a coke after Exercise Class.  I like looking to the skies and watching clouds.  This morning, since there is a change in weather coming up, the clouds are racing by.  Many white on blue and I always look for Truman in the heavens because I know he is there.  And I saw what I was looking for.  A fluffy white one with a blue center.  I said good morning to his spirit.  I am not crazy, really.  I also got to thinking about these pine trees near my balcony.  They are taller than this three story building.  I wonder if they were planted or just came up random in a group.  Counting them--there are 11--who plants 11? and not 12.  A nice dozen.  Maybe one did not make it.  That is what I think.  I also think with lightning and wind that they are a little too close for comfort.  Home to many birds they have the most pine cones I have ever seen.  Those are my "thoughts for the day." Aren't you glad you tuned in?

Betty Boop






 

SPRING HAS SPRUNG !!!!!!

Ah!! Spring, when a young man's thoughts turn to Love.  I don't know much about young men, but I did observe  a male sparrow this morning.  I had breakfast in Cyber, as I do from time to time.  I took my second cup of coffee to the rose garden in the court yard.  The seats were damp but I ignored the dampness.  The pots of winter pansies are still beautiful.  All around the earth smells  fresh and up coming are the bulbs.  Jonquils are blooming.  Like Riverwood.  Hostas (I think they are) are up and about to bloom pink and white.  The crepe myrtle will soon be beautiful as well as many roses just budding.  Up in the tree under which I sat, a sparrow was pleading his case with song..  I looked close to the next branch and I could see his object of affection.  Now you know I made a story about it.  True or not, I do it. He said how beautiful you are and let us settle down in a new nest and raise a family together.  She answered in a sweet but sad voice.  Hang on and don't go far away, I am not yet ready to leave this single life, but I will soon.  Now isn't that a silly story?  Not at all, I think it is true. 

I met several friends and said good morning and how are you?  Ham and eggs were so good, I also delivered a birthday card with my signature of a tissue paper flower.  They say, they know who it is from even before they open the card.  I am glad I remembered how to make them.  They have appeared in many forms since I started  making and giving them.  What else is in store for today?  Have to wait and see.  I hope it is all good.

Betty Boop & Bitsy

BUNNY RABBITS

You need to see the new display case in the lobby.  It is changed from time to time.  Last one on wedding pictures was a hit.  Today it is so sweet and pretty.  They asked if you had a favorite rabbit you would like to put in the window.  I took my little Peter Rabbit that Brody likes so much.  Today it was filled with rabbits of every description, and done so nicely.  It has at the center a giant ceramic chocolate colored one.  It is shinny and looks just like chocolate.  Belongs to  Estelle Hearn.  Looks good enough to eat.  John Craft made it.  It must be 3 feet tall.  I wish you could see it.  All you have to do is post a notice and people respond.  Amazing the cooperation here.

Boy! I really had a good grilled cheese sandwich and sweet potato fries for lunch.  Topped with a coke.  I bought it up to my apartment to eat lunch.  I do different things to keep my life interesting.  Not the same old-same old.  Even small things help.

Betty Boop

STILL CONGRATS!!

I can't walk down the hall without someone telling me how much they enjoyed our recent stab at entertainment {the play}.  It was one of the best I think too.  Several commented on how much better they could understand each player.  We have a very poor sound system.  You have to speak directly into the mike to be fully understood.  We all worked on that.  I guess it worked.  I guess most people would like to get on stage and be seen.  Some are too shy and some think it is silly. (it is).  But I have found that I like it and we do have fun preparing for it and are delighted to make people laugh no matter how outlandish and silly it is.   O.K.--enough said on that subject.  Check it in to the Memory Bank for it is a keeper.

Bitsy still seems to be better and I am holding my breath that when the meds wear off, she will stay normal.  She continues to entertain and delight me.  I am amazed at how she seems to just fit right in.  She has been through a lot of trauma in her short life.

I continue to meet Angels who cross my path each day.  One I meet some days.  She is one of the cooks in the dinning room.  Saw her while I was eating breakfast in the Cyber  this morning.  She came in for a pick up breakfast.  Then I saw her after lunch in the dinning room.  She is always a delight and picks  me up.  So many people are nice and helpful here.  I could not be more satisfied with my choice to live here.  No place like it as I hear about other places to live your final chapter (or two.)

Betty Boop

SUNNY SUNDAY

Yes, I believe Winter has passed.  It rushed through so fast that we hardly knew it was here.  80's for high today and tomorrow.  Yes even the birds are singing.  I told Amy they were "twitter-pated"  Thanks to Walt Disney.  Bitsy is better and I hope we have her on the right track.  We had lunch with Paul and Sophia.  Mr. Chen's is still my favorite for shrimp and veggies.  Where do  they get those large and delish shrimp?  A group of Chinese were having what looked like a reunion of some sort.  They were very happy.  So it was a little hard to hear for all the "happiness" coming from them. 

Well after a nice nap I need to post my poems for the Villager.  I will save them for you for later.

Betty Boop

TWO DAYS OFF

I have been a little busy and did not get a chance to write.  Thursday, Amy took me to my favorite place to shop--Dillards Petite in the mall.  I used to could take the whole Mall in at one time, but one store lays me low now.  But we usually have great success.  And this trip was very successful.  I was mainly looking for something to wear for THE  wedding.  March 4 is close.  I found the perfect top for pants I already have.  Not only that, I found 6 others I just could not do without, if you know what I mean.  I don't get to shop often and I try to make it worth the trip.  Lunch at the Trace Grill topped that day.  Wow. I was tired. Friday, I just had to go to the grocery store.  I needed so many basic things.  That took this old girl an hour and half, but I did it.  I am amazed that I brag about such things.  But time changes a lot. I  wrote poems and Haiku for Villager and Library board. 

My poor little kitty Bitsy had a trip to the Vet this morning.  Amy took us.  She had a  couple of shots for this terrible itching that had  rendered her a loss of lots of hair and the scratching was terrible.  Hopefully this will stop it and she will heal.  That poor little thing has been through a lot and she is still a very calm and sweet cat.  She is worth what it cost to get her well and feeling good . 
I met my new neighbor this morning,   She seems very nice and I am glad to have a neighbor.                         I have some 40's music playing on my CD player,  I wonder how long before CDs will be obsolete?  Oh, they already are?  Well I guess I am stuck in time.  Poor me.

Betty Boop

COLD MORNING

Maybe we will have a little Winter after all.  Maybe a day or two.  I feel as if I have missed it.  I love the change in seasons.  My kitty is still doing good.  It is interesting to watch her figure out me.  She watches me and seems to know what I do next.  Am I the creature of habit?  I guess so.  She still can't get enough loving and I am willing to give it.  She has really found a place in my heart that needed to be filled.

I am hoping to go shopping today with Amy.  I need something pretty to wear to my granddaughter's wedding in March.  The time is going fast.  The last of my grandchildren to get married.  Imagine that.  Now on to the great's.  Although I think that is a while away.   Jan is in Ft. Wayne to visit her grandchildren.  Hope their time together is wonderful.  They are growing up so fast.  Time used to go slow--but as you grow older-time goes fast.  Maybe that is because I grow slower?  I think I need to write some poems.  I think it will be some Haiku this time.  Some have been knocking at my brain's door.

Betty Boop

BREAK A LEG

Everyone came through last night.  THE PUNCH LINE THEATRE  closed to raving revues!!,  Even Lou Costello (ME) remembered their lines.  It seems that when it comes down to the wire, you do your best. Amy, M, G, Jan and Tommy came.  Ryan was coming, but at the last minute work called.  I make many of my friends jealous with such an attentive family.  So be it.  I will take it.  One said her family did not want to see her up on the stage being silly.  True, that is what we do, but why not?  Her family missed a lot.  She is a great and elegant lady and to see her be Dolly Parton was a real brave thing to do.  She was great.  Bitsy is doing great.  She showed off for everyone last night as they came to the apartment after the show.  I am so happy with her progress. Well I must go the exercise class and then to Kroger.

Betty Boop

P. S.  M. G. brought me roses last night, real Broadway style!!!

DRESS REHERASAL

 A real "bummer",  I mean it.  Lettie and I got mixed up on our lines and timing.  We will do better tonight with the real thing, I hope.  I have been stressed out with several things going on and I did not do my best.  I guess I need to cut back on some of the things I do and realize I can't do it all anymore.  When things get to be hard and not as much fun--it is time to take a closer look and chose wisely.  One good thing, Betsy is home and doing good.  Eating like a little pig.  I noticed on her Dr's report that she weighed 6 pounds.  I told her to slow up or we would put her on a diet.  She is all cured of her trouble, I hope, and is back to her sweet, playful, and loving self.  Needy for petting too.  I missed her and can't thank Mary Grace and Amy enough for all the help they gave me in taking care of her. 

Next week and after the PLAY, Ryan is going to help me install a new computer and I have bought a new printer.  I missed my old one I left behind when I moved.  We are waiting till next week to do this.  Too much is going on right now.  Can't take in too much. 

HAPPY VALENTINE"S Day  I miss trading them with Truman.  His were always a surprise.  Sometime sweet, sentimental and sometime funny.  Once we met up at CVS buying each other's and did not know the other was there.  We always managed to keep them hidden from each other before the Day.  Don't know how since I am a snoop.  I kept many of them.  Want to see them?  O. K.

Betty Boop

HECTIC DAY

First off, my little kitty is sick.  Most Vets are closed on Saturday at least at noon.  Mary Grace (bless her) found one in Flora. Actually they had used it for their dogs in the past.  It is a little far out but we hurried to go before they  closed at noon.  I liked the Vet, she was very good and we had to leave Bitsy till Sunday.  It is better for me anyway because It was to be hard for me to give her meds and other issues too.  I felt so bad to leave her, don't you just know that she thinks I have thrown her away?  I really miss her,  The Vet said she would recover but she is so sick. 

Betty Boop

YET,ANOTHER ONE

I hope this was the last Dr. visit for a while.  I think I have seen them all since January.  They all keep telling me I am doing good.  So 90 is the new good?  What else can I expect?  To get better?  No.  I need to keep positive and also keep on the sunny side.  (Another old song) You know I seem to live my life in song sometime.  I have always loved music.  Of almost any kind.  When you are young the words can mean much to you.  During the 40's the music especially meant a lot, so therefore, I remember the words to so many of them.  I don't mean to sound old fogey, but the music today has little meaning to me.  I loved the words to the oldies. 

O. K.--having said that, I must get back on the Road of Today.  I can still play my CD"s and enjoy them.

Betty Boop

DOWN THAT LANE AGAIN

Read Amy's blog first today.  You will then understand mine.  Memories were stirred when we went to the Mayflower for lunch.  Amy, Sophie, Mary Grace, and me.  I worked downtown before and after I married at what was then the Commercial Bank and Trust Co. which was down the street from the Mayflower  Met Truman there and worked 3 years together before Linda was born.  Retired, as was the norm then to becoming gainfully employed to a career of Motherhood.  Never looked back.  Amy posted pictures of me and the group of girls I worked with.  We had fun and she mentioned we would go to the Mayflower for shrimp cocktail for our break.  All we could afford.  I think it was about 50 cents.  They Mayflower has remained pretty much the same and is still very popular. though the shrimp cocktail is $5.95 now.  A lot of water under the bridge.  Some rough waters and some very smooth.  I am in a smooth stretch right now.  My eye Dr. (known him many years) said yesterday "If you drink, smoke, or eat bacon-keep it up."  Meaning if it ain't broke ==don't fix it.  I think that is what he meant.  Maybe he meant at 90, there is not much you can do but live it.  I don't know what he meant, he was on a "one liner roll" yesterday.  He thought he was funny.  And we did laugh.  Just glad I can see as well as I can.  He said I was a minor miracle.  I'll take that . Well back off the memory trail.  Another appointment today to the ear Doctor.  Let's see what he can do about that constant "HUH"  I keep saying  Pray for another minor miracle,

Betty Boop

FUN WITH BITSY

We have many games we play.  Mostly her call. Have you ever played Make The Bed With Bitsy"  It is fun and a challenge.  All the ingredients of a rousing board game.  But the best one is when you Change The Sheets Day.  My is that fun. (for her)  Well I get a chuckle too.  It is run under the sheet and blanket and coverlet and try to find me.  Out she comes when it gets too heavy.  We just finished that game and she is exhausted and is resting now on favorite blue chair.  She has had a ball with all the new toys from Mary Grace and Linda.  Her favorite is the feathers on a long stick.  She can really jump high.  If the Circus was not closing I could get a traveling job for us.  She would be a hit.  Of course there may be an opening in a night club for a Pole Dancer.  She really excels in that one,  She can balance on the top forever it seems..  She is very smart and lively.  Adds some company when I need it.  Always agrees with all I tell her, and she knows many secrets of mine. 

How about this weather?  Stormy one minute then sun shinning.  I feel like we missed winter.  Bulbs are fooled into coming up.  I guess they know what to do better than I do. 

More later when something of interest happens.

Betty Boop

















W

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER

Words can't describe how I feel just now.  I took a nap and decided if I could write my feelings and thoughts.  First nobody has a family of children like me.  Thoughtful, kind, loving, generous with complements and thanks for me.  Even that does not say it all.  We celebrated at Jan and Tommy's house.  From the entrance door on there were decorations.  Many pictures of my life from baby to now.  A 80th book that they made me on my 80th birthday that was a great memory because Truman was in the picture then.  The table was decorated by M. G.  I see her mother's influence on her.  She decorated all down the table with colorful toys for my new cat, Bitsy.  It made a sweet decoration and so pretty too. I got sweet cards and a book of pictures everyone sent to Jan of themselves-some with me- in a beautiful little book.  I have "memories galore  in  the little book. Something to treasure and enjoy when I need to see everyone.  Next the menu was, some would say. unusual.  It was my choice and it was fabulous!!!  Hot dogs (best quality)with all the add-ons. Slaw, chilie, cheese, onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, and baked beans (Paul style) and I can't remember the rest.  Yum, yum.  Tea and soft drinks, and coffee.  Oh but to crown it all, my sweet and smart grand daughter, Mary Grace slaved to make my request of Wideman's Black Bottom pie.  And it was delightful and just the way I remembered it .  Have I missed anything?  And here I am drunk on love -- not the rum in the pie.  Truman would be as proud of you all as I am.

Betty Boop 

THIEF APREHENDED AND GOODS IN CUSTODY

How do you arrest such a sweet little kitty with such innocence  written on her face?  You don't---just laugh and give her a hug.  My sock has been missing a few days and also a bookmark snatched right before my eyes.  I knew who did it but where did she hid her stash?  Jan found her hiding place.  She had put them both together in a far corner under a chair in my bedroom.  We laughed and laughed at how cunning she was and smart too.  So mystery solved. She is free to go with a warning. 

Betty Boop

EARLY TO BED

Not me, Her.  Yes the little beautiful calm kitty that I adopted has turned into a busy, nosey, noisy, flash of lightning, bolt of terror.  She dismantled an arrangement of dried stuff last night as I fought her off.  Night time is her time to shine.  She sounds like a heard of buffalo racing from one end of the rooms to the other.  Very much fun to watch.  I know it is a show for me.  I put the scratching post in her path and she scales it like a pole dancer and then off she goes again.  Last night it got out of hand  when she dismantled the vase.  I put her to bed early expecting a protest, but amazingly--none.  She is a puzzle.  I love her but I am having a time keeping up.

I woke up early 4:30 and could not go back to sleep. I got up and read in this depressing  book. I can really pick them!!    So many things coming up Including eye Dr. and ear Dr. too.  Play itself.  Wedding and parties and just too much at one time.  Lord give me strength and thankfulness for it all.

Betty Boop

SO FAR --SO GOOD

Went to Play practice this morning.  I am getting nervous about this
play.  I keep wanting to be better.  Letty and I need to practice our
lines before next practice.  Especially me.  The timing is what will
make it funny.  We are to wear our costumes next time.  I suppose
she wants to check us out.  Some can get out of hand when left to
their own thinking.  I have mine together except for a bow tie.  I told
Dianna I need one.  She will look into finding me one.  Oh my,
this is the last one I want to do. 

Bitsy will not let my Birthday cards alone.  She seems to seek
them out, no matter where I put them.  She has left the flowers
alone.  She took one of my socks this morning that I had laid
out to wear.  While I was taking a shower, she hide it --- can
not find it any where.  Little thief!!

Betty Boop