My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:15

Read this, this morning.  Never read it before.  How true and also how hard to accept.  I know how guilty I am to run ahead and plan and arrange everything, when it would be so easy to "let God".  End of sermon.  It is just that I write in the blog soon after time on the balcony first thing in the morning.

I saw a group of Canada geese smoothly gliding across the lake   They seem to be a family.  Big and small. They don't stay all day but just visit.  It felt very pleasant out there.  The grass is so green from all the rain.  My balcony flowers are blooming nicely and I am enjoying them.  I am busy planning for Beach week.  How many will this be?  30 something.  Rare for this to happen.  But it really takes a lot of planning and desire to pull it off so successfully.  We do it the best!!.  People that I know can't understand it.  I am thankful for everyone wanting to go and it is a challenge to live together in small space and blend together.  I think we do a good job. 

Betty Boop

NO BALCONY TIME

Sunday morning and a quick little shower came at the very time I wanted to sit and meditate.  And I have new cushions to sit on.  They are so pretty and I found some that are a little more comfortable too.  Jan took me shopping for them.  HOME GOODS had so many to choose from, we had trouble till I went back to the first ones I saw.  They have pineapples on the fabric.  So different and bright but not too bright.  Know what I mean.?  Just right. and feel so good.  Oh well little things can make me happy. 

We are going to celebrate Sophia Elizabeth's birthday.  I remember when she was born.  My baby had a baby!!!  Will be fun at the Patrick's house.  They are so welcoming at their house.  Such well behaved dogs.  Well trained.  Fun.

Betty Boop

I RELISH MY QUIET TIME

I relish my time on the balcony first thing in the morning.  To sit and observe the thoughts that I have, a new start and to put yesterday behind.  I know I mess up a lot, but I can get a new start with a new day.  Soon it may be too hot to sit out but till then I will enjoy.  Bitsy sits on the other side of the screen door and waits and watches and smells the new day too.  I relish her company.

Jan will come today and we will find many things to talk about and maybe a few things to do too.  I also relish theses times with her.

Betty Boop

SAD NEWS

Mother duck hatched only 2 out of 11 eggs.  Is she sad?  I wonder.  She may just be glad it is all over.  A combination of being watched all the time and rain, cold, hot. and somebody constantly "checking" on her may have contributed to the failure.   I just don't know why.  Anyway, I did not see them leave the nest.  I wish I had,  But they are gone and the drama is over.  I just hope for their survival from those huge turtles we have in the lake.  I don't want to think about their future.

Hey guess what I had for supper.  I cooked baby lima beans topped with okra.  Tomatoes that were pretty good.  Fish baked and to top it off, I made sugar free chocolate pudding topped with Redi-wip.  That is how it is spelled on the can,  So good.  I used to put peanut butter in my made from scratch pudding  Those were the days.  I made brownies from a my coffee group.  They loved them--they had pecans in them.

Betty Boop

FRIDAY ALREADY?

They say time flies when you are having fun.  So I guess I am having fun because it gets to Friday before I know it.  As of yesterday afternoon, two ducklings had hatched in Mother Ducks nest.  Two little fuzzy yellow balls.  I can't wait to go down this morning and see what else has happened.  Many of us have been watching and I am amazed at how she has put up with us and stayed put.  So I guess that is my fun for the day except Amy came and we sat on the balcony and just enjoyed talking.  Thank God for daughters.  I have three of the most beautiful ones.  They are treasures.

Betty Boop

P.S. Got a haircut and look like a boy (old man)!!!

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY

My  time on the Balcony was a little cool but very pleasant.  I saw Mallards sunning on my side and Egrets forging for breakfast on the other side where it is shallow.  I saw a man walking and then a woman too.  It seemed to me that all was right with the world.  Yet I know it is not,  This world has many problems but we know who is in charge.  Believe it.

I got a thrill this morning as I opened my computer.  E-Mail from Whitney saying she was honored with two awards for her work in the school.  She deserves it.  I am proud of her.  She is a very good Mother, wife, and person. 

Well I am going to Kroger and better get started.

Betty Boop

OLD GIRL OR OLD LADY ??

Well it has finally happened/  The crowning moment.  "You will be delighted with a hearing aid."  said my ENT Doctor.  I have been knowing for least 6 months, I finally faced it.  Had a hearing test and it was not very good.  Age has stolen another of my parts.  I know it has been gradual but more obvious to me for a few months.  Although I think others around me have known it a while.  The blank stare I give you does not mean I am senile yet==just can't hear and am trying to figure out what you are saying, when I don't respond fast or even right.  I am going to get an appointment with an Audiologist who is in the Clinic where I go to get a beautiful hearing aid.  Glad I will be able to hear much better, we will see how much .  Wish me luck.

Betty Boop

GLOOMY MONDAY

I am sure the sun is shinning behind those heavy clouds.  We will have more rain today and tomorrow also.  So get used to it.  I have always liked the feeling I have when it rains.  Like I can slow down and shrink in.  Sunday was nice.  Amy picked up an array of salads from Fresh Market and we went to Ryan and MG"s after church.  We ate lunch on their new screened porch.  So pretty.  He is still working hard on the yard and it looks so good.   Many tomato seeds came up in the "boat garden"  I brought home some of the sweetest miniature tomatoes.  So good last night for supper.  I even cooked baby lima beans and okra for me.  It was so good with fresh tomatoes.  Still can't give up cooking a little.  At least when I want to.

Betty Boop

NEW TV

Just like magic, I now have a new TV set.  Amy and Ed went to Best Buy after research and talking with me and brought the new one here.  In house TV expert came and finished what Ed started.  It is up and running and bright and a little larger.  So to theses 90 year old eyes, it is perfect.  I am so thankful for Ed and Amy doing this so fast and I wont have to be without another night. Whew!!  I was mad at myself for being so dependent on it.  But when you live alone it is like company to have it.  Anyway I am set to go now. 

What a beautiful day to go fishing.  And the Lake was surrounded with voices and activity early this morning.  Once a year we invite employees and any of their family to a fishing  day.  The lake was surrounded with an assortment of ages.  They went around with a cart with snacks and drinks for the people who were fishing.  I hope to hear if they caught any - I know they were enjoying it.  Mama Duck is still sitting.  I know she will be glad when her eggs hatch.  I will too.

Betty Boop

NO TV

I did not know how much I depended on TV till mine suddenly went out this afternoon.  Been expecting it since it is getting old and the picture has faded at the top of screen.  I turned it on and heard a loud pop and the screen was blank.  I called the maintenance man on a light problem in the kitchen and he also looked at my TV.  It was not a SCV problem but my set just gave up the ghost.  Well I have been here 6 years and I don't remember when we bought it but safe to say it is better to get a new one rather than repair it.  I have resorted to the radio and it is not like it used to be.  What is?  So many talk shows and awful music.  I am glad to have a good book going till I can get a new TV. 
\
So that is my story for today.  Always something new--good and not so good.

Betty Boop

NAUHTY BITSY

Bitsy discovered a new toy.  The cords hanging down in my bathroom.  They are to the emergency light.  You pull them and everyone comes running.  In my case just the Nurse rushed in.  I was getting dressed for the day and Bitsy watches everything I do.  She played with the cord by the sink and I did not think anything about it.  I noticed the red light came on and in just minutes Darlene, the  wellness nurse unlocked  my door and I was shocked and partially dressed.  We laughed about it when we decided it was Bitsy who sounded the alarm.  I am glad to know they are so alert to trouble., but a little annoyed with that cat.  She has never noticed the cords before.  There are three of them in my apartment.  Oh me.  I hope she doesn't do  that again.

Betty Boop

CABIN CAMPING

Just back and had a sandwich.  A comedown from what I had this weekend.  10 of my family are just back from a great weekend of food, fellowship, and getting a preview of the great Beach Week to come when many, many  more of my family will converge on the beach at Orange Beach, Ala.  Just 4 weeks to wait.  We have reserved the largest place yet.  12 bedrooms and we will need it all.  Don't know the exact count as some will be coming and going the whole week, but it is amazing how it has grown to what it is.  But back to this weekend.  It rained the night of the afternoon we got there.  My did it rain!!!.  M. G.  and Ryan brought ribs already cooked by M. G. in her giant crock-pot.  So tender and tasty.  Along with other bring-a-longs of potato salad, beans. green salad and it was so good. We woke to a very chilly. windy  day, but breakfast of biscuits, sausage, eggs, strawberries, watermelon, and fresh pineapple and juice.  That set just right.  And lots of coffee too.  Breakfast chef  Tommy outdid himself. Had grilled   hamburgers for lunch, All the trimmings.  Dinner was outstanding.  With Sophie's famous olive cheese loaf to begin it. Grilled salmon and steak. potatoes, salad and bread.  Then this morning Chef Tommy was at it again.  His famous pancakes and bacon are so good.  Plenty of juice and coffee completed it.  Sounds like all we did was eat and It was a big part and so good, but we had a wonderful campfire and plenty of discussions and lots of problems solved (we think.)  Any way, everyone has their own view and that is as it should be.  We are all tolerant and accepting of the other.  And at last some great gifts for the Mothers.  Aren't we lucky?  I say the luckiest in the world.  To get together like this is amazing.  Keep it up. I missed Truman and so did my girls.  He loved the campouts.

Betty Boop
P. S. We went to Hugh White State Park in Grenada, Ms.

 

NO BALCONY TODAY

Yes it is raining.  Camping still on. It is supposed to be a beautiful day Saturday and Sunday.  So what is a little rain today and maybe tonight?  We take our first dinner already cooked and so if we stay inside we will enjoy each other.  Since we are not leaving  till early afternoon maybe I will drop in on the Great Closet sale.  I wish I could trade my old chair for a better one.  But that is just too much trouble.  Did not see one I could use anyway.  I had a hearty breakfast.  Me as usual with three men at separate tables.  The way I want it.  Jan called and said we would not be in a hurry to leave and maybe the rain would clear before we leave at around two o'clock.  Anyway, have a good Mother's day even if your mother is not with you.  Just remember them.

Betty Boop

BALCONY

I had to force myself off the balcony this morning.  It was perfect this morning.  Just a small gentle breeze and a temp. that was perfect.  I saw a lady marching around the lake with purpose,  Good for her.  I saw a pair of Egrets feeding close to shore line.  They are a lesson in patience.  Sky is lit up now but with still a lot of promise for a good day.  Hope I keep it that way.  An untouched day gives me hope.  I am looking forward to camping.  One of my and  Truman's joys together.  My we loved the two months we spent in the later years in south Texas along Mexico's border. So carefree and away from it all.  Ah!  here I go again.  I am happy to still be making memories with my family.  I think planning and getting ready for an event is just about as much fun and going.  Even though most of the planning belongs to others, I still can think about it. 

Betty Boop

MORE CATHERINE 2

We are all concerned about our mother duck. Someone was worried enough to offer a little help to her.  They brought an umbrella and propped it up over her for protection from the sun.  And she now has a water bowl.  It has gotten hot and she was panting from the heat.  Bet next time she picks a nest sight she will remember not to use this one.  Although we have been very protective of her, it still is not the best place to hatch a nest full of eggs. 

I went to Kroger this morning.  That used to me no news at all.  But now it is a dig accomplishment for me.  I was tired and wanted to treat myself so I had a hot dog.  My favorite go to for something special.  Chocolate milk and potato chips (a few)  was a good lunch.  Downstairs they are busy preparing for a giant closet sale.  I will miss it because I will be getting ready to go Mother.s Day camping with 10 of us.  There is not one thing I need from the sale but it is always fun to go.  We have one about twice a year for the benefit of our employees Christmas fund.  Always a big success.  They have a lot of nice looking furniture.  Better looking than mine.  I just bought SCV cookies to take camping.  They are different now.  Hope they will do.

Betty Boop

CATHERINE l l

I found out a tid bit about our duck Catherine l l who has built her nest in a most dangerous place right by the drive to my entrance.  Many people pass close to her each day.  She is like Horton the elephant  in HORTON HATCHES THE EGG.  She is faithful one hundred per cent.  I remarked yesterday to a group as to where her husband was.  Someone said he comes sometime late in the day and they go together for a walk and I assume a drink of water and food.  Where they go I don't know, but the rose garden would be near.  I was delighted to know that bit of news.  It has been at least a couple of weeks.  Soon they will hatch.  Hope I get to see the drams it will cause. 

Ryan came and worked about 3 hours hooking up my new printer and switching me to c-spire.  He is really good to me and I appreciate him so much.  He knows so much  about  computers and believe me there is a lot to know.  My printer seems harder than the one I had in the dark ages.  I am going to have to have more lessons They say you can't teach and old dog new tricks.  We will see.

Betty Boop

BUSY

I guess I should be happy to be busy, but when I get my plate full, I panic.  Just little jobs and items that need attention--nothing major.  Just me !!!!  We are planning to go mother's day weekend camping like we usually do.  So I guess it is the many little things I need to plan.  The most part of going is planning and I don't have much to do with that any more.  I did my part for many years and now it is time to turn it over to young capable hands and minds.  Actually they have been taking over for years now.  Good job children.  I am glad to let you do it.  Hope the weather holds out although the report for Friday doesn't look good, but this is just Monday and Mississippi. 

Well on to my busy Monday with a few extras added in.

Betty Boop

SATURDAY. SATURDAY!!!

Where did the week go?  I hear these comments every day.  It is a topic of many useless conversations we residents have.  It seems you don't have to be young to suffer from this trouble.  I remember as a child, time went pretty slow.  Especially when you were waiting for something special.  Well every day is special here to me.  I really do like living here at SCV.  Well take this morning for instance.  It has been too windy and cool for a few days to sit on the balcony.  I missed it a lot.  This morning is cool and sunny and so I woke early and decided to just get up and get on with this beautiful day.  I bundled up in my winter robe and sleep socks and had a second cup of coffee on the balcony.  I saw many pretty sights.  Three Egrets at one time.  What is happening?  There is usually just one.  I saw a lone Canada goose swimming in circles in the middle of Lake.  What was he up to?  Waiting for his mate, who may be sitting on the nest?  I saw big crows flying over and heard countless sounds that come from early morning.  So special.  It took me away from worries and troubles and reminded me to strength my trust in God.  I always do trust but sometime it gets a little thin when things don't go right.  Sometime I wonder why he wants me still here, and then I get my second wind and go on.  There is a reason for everything, even though I don't understand.  Forgive me for sounding sorry for myself.  I really am not.

Betty Boop  

NO Cinco de Mayo

Well for those who went, I hope it was fun.  At the last minute I decided not to go.  With my blood sugar hovering on the high side and looking at the spicy foods they had plus it did not start till 6 and that is too late for me to eat.  I just passed it up.  I am the one to say how I feel and I just did not feel good about it.  Oh well, something better will come along.  Storms are about over and while it still looks gloomy in the skies, I know the sun shines behind the clouds.  We are promised some great weather for a few days.  Lets enjoy them.

Betty Boop[

CINCO-de-MAYO

The big dinner for tonight has been moved indoors because of the threat of rain for this early evening.  Oh well. we will survive.  When you plan something outdoors you had better have a back up plan.  It will be festive inside I am sure.  Some of the food sounds spicy and I will have to choose around it but there is plenty to have.  It is at 6 this evening. They are advertising great food, music, piñata's and I hope it will be fun.

Well I just had veg. soup half of a small banana. three strawberries and a graham cracker and iced tea right here in my apartment.  Was good and now for a nap.  Bitsy is already on my bed and ahead of me.  Got to catch up with her. 

Betty Boop