HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY LOU

I remember it well.  We got Jan and Linda settled at Mama's house and went to hospital to induce labor.  It was done more then and now.  But I was overdue and ready.  From then on it was mostly a blur. Those days we were dulled till we did not feel much.  But I remember the first time I saw her. My third little girl.  We had waited 7 years between second daughter and her.  I guess hoping for a boy. but alas all our boys turned out to be girls.  I count that a blessing.   Truman took it like he should.  Proud of them all.  So today we celebrate Amy Lou and am so proud of how she turned out.  Thoughtful . kind, fun , and special to me.  Just as all my girls are.  Jan and I are taking her to lunch, which has come to be the usual thing we do.  So off we go.

Betty Boop

LONELY DUCK

My time this morning on the balcony was pleasant --just enough cool breeze to make me wont to linger.  I saw a "lonely" duck sitting on the wall of the lake below me.  So still, I had to wonder.  My "make believe" got away from me.  Was the duck lonely or merely resting in the morning sun. or was he getting away from the family?  I saw a walker come by and the duck flew into the water.  It swam with a v shaped wake behind him to the middle of lake as another came swimming swiftly toward it and joined together as they swam up stream.  Simple story, but was it? 

The grass is so thick and green from rain.  It made me think of thick green shag carpet.  Remember shag?  Not pretty to me.  But they will be out soon mowing it to a smooth carpet.  I must get back to exercise class this morning.  My old bones are creaking and begging for exercise.  I will see what I can do.

Betty Boop

SUMMER CONCERT

I was so glad I got back in time to sing in our Choir for our summer concert.  It was so good and I really enjoyed singing and performing for our wonderful residents.  Not only them but part of my family too.  As Cary was still visiting, she and Jan. Brodie and little sister came too.  They were so good and listened so well.  I was very proud of them and it is  always a treat  to have them to light up these halls.  They enjoyed visiting my apartment and playing with Bitsy.  Bitsy is a very social cat and she was delighted with their visit.  Now I hope for Cary to get through her layover in Atlanta and on to home today.  She is very brave to do the trip without David.  We missed him. 

I really need to go the Kroger today.  Think I will try it a little later.

Betty Boop

ANOTHER ONE HOME

Jan took me to pick up Bitsy.  She has been boarded at Briarwood Clinic since I left to go to the beach.  Also being observed for her  skin problem.  They did a biopsy and have not heard from it yet.  A steroid shot should help till we hear the results.  Hope we find out what her problem is and we can do something permanent to relieve her itching.  Anyway she is no worse for the ordeal and picked up right where she left off and is not mad at me for leaving her so long in that strange place.  I will be glad to hear from her results.

Betty Boop

AND THEY ARE BACK !!!!!

Yes they are all back, safe.  Thank you Lord.  A week of observations on my part has been enlightening and fun.  I have the role of sitting and watching now.  Frustrating at times but still a special place.  My, did I see a lot of energy and tears  and fun by everyone.  From a one year old to a 90 year old is a lot of living.  It stormed and the sun did shine a few days. Enough to satisfy all.  The very special meals planned and prepared by a rotation of couples and some duos, were enjoyed by all.  They outdid themselves.  It was very interesting as an observer to see it all work.  You have to see it to believe it.  We bought and ate 25 pounds of shrimp.  A gallon or more oysters and lots of other seafood.  All prepared right there.  Some took the chance to go to lunch at favorite places a time or two, but mostly we ate in.  My the breakfast was soooo good.  I love breakfast.  Ashley's  biscuits were special and all the wonderful bacon from Ryan.  It sounds like all we did was eat but there was much more.  The kid cousins had the rare treat of enjoying each other as they don't get to see each other often.  That is part of the point of getting together like this for some 30 or more years.  So be it.

"My times are in your hands."  Psalms 31:15
My favorite--Psalms: 46:1-3.

Betty Boop

AND AWAY WE GO.

It is 8:15 Saturday morning.  Amy is being picked up at 8:00 AM and I am next.  If I have forgotten anything, I will have to make do.  I don't see how I have forgotten anything because M. G. and Ryan will have a fit when they see the pile at my door waiting to go.  Anyway we will be on the road soon.  Bad storm last night here but sun is up and spirits high so like old Willie--down the highway we go. like a band of Gypsies with our friends.  Wish us luck and a safe trip to all of us.

Betty Boop

MONEY'S WORTH

I do like to get my money's worth and I did today.  Talking about this new "beach" haircut.  I told Judy to cut it short.  And she did.  I also colored it and look like a new "old girl."  Well it does not matter to me and hope it does not matter to you.  I am just rambling because I have almost checked my list of things to do off.  Some can't be done till the last minute.  Like meds and some more little things. 

I am taking Bitsy to Briarwood Clinic to stay while I am gone.  She will think I have given her away. but someone said she told her cat she was going to a Cat Spa for a makeover.  Hope this will be good for Bitsy.  I picked up cookies at the dinning room this morning.  They look good but I was good and did not taste them.  It is so different from the first days when I made "dog" and "cat " shaped cookies.  I used  to do a lot of things that I don't do now.  So be it.

Betty Boop

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Willie Nelson's theme song was Truman and my favorite to sing as we would start out early on the first morning of a road trip in whatever mode of travel we had at the time.  Those early morning starts are among my favorite memories.  It felt so good to get away from everyday stuff.  And to go with the love of my life was a blessing I now know, of the highest gifts.  Well I am now alone but not really.  Just look at this fine family I have to travel with.  Another set of special memories. 

I have been struggling with change in meds and it has thrown me for a loop.  Hopefully I am "on the road again>"  On the road again can have many meanings for me.  Bless old Willie.  As I have said many time--"He is not much to look at, but he can surely sing."  That is my opinion.  I have read his bio and he has lived a colorful life.  His way.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

Back and running again.  Computer acted up again.  Mary  (Miss Fix It) Grace talked to it for a while and it got back on track pretty quick.  She is good at that.  Thank you sweet girl.  Jan came Saturday and we had lunch outside at the Cyber.  She is looking forward to a house full going to the Beach,  My bags are out and I have started packing.  My oh my, I am needy.  Just like a baby.  It takes so much to  keep me going for a week.  So be it.  I will try to not pack too much. 

It looks like another beautiful day , I will get to it.

Betty Boop 

"GET YO BISSNES DONE"

Terrible English.  I think it is funny.  I am getting my business done because time is short.  I composed a poem for the July VILLAGER because we will be gone when my contribution is due.  I need to do the Library board too.  But here is the one for the VILLAGER.

 

BEACH WEEK

by Dot Ellis

 

Hi Ho!! Hi Ho!! Hi HO!!

As off to the Beach we go.

Excitement and Spirits high.

Can hardly wait----my oh my!!

 

We have packed and planned,

That's part of the fun.

This year will again be grand.

Nothing like it under the sun.

 

We lounge and stroll the Beach

Lovely as far as eyes can reach.

Back inside to eat and rest.

Enjoying each other---that

part is the best.

 

The sun is now setting on another good year.

We have all grown in many ways,

I hope the "memories" will always be dear.

And we can share many more days.

 

See you next year!!

Betty  Boop

DIAMONDS ON THE LAKE

I used to say that about Riverwood Lake. This morning the sun is so bright that it brought diamonds to me again.  What is it about diamonds.  I know they are rare and hard to mine but they hold a special place in some peoples mind.  I have a few and they are attached to special memories.  The ones on the Lake are beautiful  this morning and I accept them with pleasure.  The poet coming out in me this morning.  I wish I could channel it into words for my July library poem.  Just wont jell. 

I am going to change hall and my entrance décor today.  I brought out this board Jan gave me that says The Best Memories Are Made At The Beach.  I will use it.  We have made a lot of good ones and about to make some more. 

Jan and I learned all we needed to know yesterday about hearing aids.  I ordered a pair and will get them after beach week.  Don't need the experience of getting used to them before.  Although I wish I could have them so I could hear better there--or do I?.  Maybe this is the better way.  I feel good about taking the step to better hearing.

Better Betty Boop

WEATHER

Rain or shine?  Take your pick because just wait and you will get your wish.  They say (the weather people) that we are in for a dry stretch.  Great, I am ready.  I just finished a poem for THE VILLAGER.  It is called BEACH WEEK.  Where did I get that ?  Oh yes, we are on tap to go on the 17th.  I sure do wish I could feel comfortable about going this year. I feel so bad some days. like I should just stay close to home, but then the desire to go takes over.  I am just a mess.  My energy and strength has gone down so much lately.  While I love the family so much and want to see everybody, I just know I will wimp out. 

Jan and I are going to have me fitted for a hearing aid today.  I hope my expectations are not too great.  So many people I talk to seem to think they are over rated.  I will see, I guess. 

Well I must go and type my new poem for my editor. 

Betty Boop

MONDAY.MONDAY........

Drizzle and clouds. Soon this rain will move out, so said the weather men and ladies.  Hope so, we have had plenty.  Not up to me.  After reading Jan's e-mail and the list for the Beach Week, I think it is really going to happen.  Thanks Jan, we would flounder without you.  Just two weeks and we will opening our drapes to see the sunny beach, I hope.  Rain does not usually last long down there. even if we have any.  The food list made me hungry.  It takes us all to pull it off.  We are after all old pros at this.    Hey the sun just popped out, but it wont stay long I bet.  Glad I can stay home today.

Betty Boop

MISTY MORNING

On the Balcony this morning it was pleasantly cool and misty.  The fog was ever so slight, but enough to make me feel damp.  I did not stay long.  I saw 4 Egrets feeding.  King egret of our Lake is not alone anymore.  I hope by choice.  I could never decide if he was lonely or there alone by choice.  I also saw a lone walker--who was brave to walk. 

I had breakfast here in the apartment.  I usually go the the Cyber but did not feel like company.  While I like people, morning is sometime not a good time.  I hate discussing, current events and gossip so early and since this small group has been inviting me to their table, I miss the quiet and peace of the morning.  I like to see people at their own table and not mine.  Selfish?  Yes in a way, but hey. I can choose can't I.

Betty Boop

JUNE BUG POEM

Well, I don't usually write this time of day but I was just thinking about how many people read my last poem in the VILLAGER about summer and the things we all did as children.  Times were so different.  I say that lot and I know you get tired of my "memories."  But I stirred up so many among my coffee group this morning.  One said she remembered how wet her bare feet got at early night when she played hide and go seek.  How she had to wash her feet before going inside.  The smells  and sounds of early night came back to her.  How exciting to remember long ago things.
   It pleased me to do this for her.  And many remembered tying string to the June Bug's leg and let them fly till he lost his leg.  Do children still do this?  I suppose many parents are afraid to let their children play outside at dusk except for organized sports and things like that.  I understand.  I am afraid to be out at night too, especially alone.  Times change and we can't help that even if we wanted to.  Here I go again down memory lane.  OOps. I just jumped off and am back on track.

Betty Boop