PIZZA BANK

I got to be a special guest at the newest PIZZA SHACK.  THE BANK IN CLINTON.  Ryan had Amy and me to lunch and tour of the new place.  I have followed it in Amy's  blog since it's first and have been enthralled by the creativity and vision for this unlikely location.  It was so good to see it for real.  Such wonderful ideas and they brought them to life.  I am proud of Amy and her real part in making it happen.  Of course Ryan has the get up and go it takes and with M. G. behind  it all, with such a lot of energy to work, it all came about.  Just setting on ready to open to public soon.  It is so interesting to look at all the clever ideas and beautiful décor.  I enjoyed my pizza and seeing the "Shack".  Good Luck Ryan and Mary Grace.  You are an amazing pair and glad you are mine.

Betty Boop
P>S> I got to connect with the next door store to Ryan.  We were in a Writing Group with her and her husband a while ago when Truman was writing his book.  She owns WHEN PIGS FLY" an antique  store and is going out of business since her husband died.  I bought a lamp and am so pleased with it.  So it was a win=win day.
Betty Boop

DECORATIONS

Decorating for Christmas is a personal thing. We used to always have a real Tree. Truman and I went to pick it out and he set it up.  Then it was up to me to decorate.  I loved doing it but sometime wished he could enjoy it with me.  I am so sentimental about some things.  All the ornaments I still have are old and treasured.  Not really beautiful but just ours.  Bitsy of course got excited as it was going up.  I don't know how long I can keep her from playing with it.  She thinks (if she can think) I brought out a new toy for her.

OT went well.  I think I can see progress.  Still have to go as I am not there yet. 

Betty Boop

EARLY START

I guess I went to bed too early for I woke too early.  But I was tired from too much fun I guess.  Thanksgiving lunch was so nice.  Sophie and Paul are perfect host.  The table was so pretty with their best of everything.  And the food by them and M.G, Ryan and Amy was unusually good.  Jan and Tommy were missed as he is getting over his hip replacement.  But Jan sent her famous chocolate chess pie.  I ate too much because it was so good.  Must pace myself better for Christmas.  Breakfast with that unusual group.  Eggs and sausage and rye toast was good. and it sounds like I have not started to slow up.  But a good breakfast was enjoyed anyway.  Football was the topic today. 

 

CHRISTMAS PAST

 

Remember Christmas as a child.

When excitement was everywhere?

Your imagination just went wild.

The wait you could hardly bare.

 

Long wished for books and toys,

Were yours at long last.

Just a few of the joys

Of Christmas in your past.

 

My contribution to December Villager.  It seems a little incomplete but the space was short because she had a full issue.  Just as well, I could not make that third verse appear anyway.

 

Betty Boop  

ANOTHER THANKSGIVING

I gave my Christmas mugs to Lindsay when I moved, but I have gradually collected a few more now.  They are gifts since I live here.  I  think I have 6 of different kinds.  I decided to start using them during the season, so my coffee this morning is from one I received one Christmas filled with candy.  A big fat Santa holding a toy. and waving at me.  How cute? 
We  are going to Sophie and Paul's house for Thanksgiving lunch.  Can't wait.  It will be good I know.

Yesterday on Thanksgiving day I ate in the dinning room with three friends.  It was the best they ever served.  Every dish was good.  Even to the pumpkin pie.  I did not make pumpkin pie in the past.  I always made pecan pie.  There are many traditions.  To each his own.

Betty Boop

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY

Is the turkey cooking?  Smells good.  Cornbread dressing like your mama made?  I love tradition and can't understand all the frenzy to make it different.  Some want to create new tradition.  O. K, but I like the oldies.  Today would have been Truman's and my 71 anniversary.  If my math is wrong--correct me.  It was warm that November 23, 1946.  Me in my carefully selected new "duds".  I looked great and him in his first tailor made suit.  We were a beautiful happy pair.  I wish so many times I had saved the hat I wore.  Why I did not think of that?  It had a beautiful pink feather plume.  Just matched my pink silk blouse with my sky blue suit.  Off to New Orleans in Truman's brother's car.  We did not even own a car then.  Stepped out on a wing and a prayer.,and much love that grew and grew and it lasted a long happy time.  I still relive so many moments and am happy for memories.  Well enough of that.  On to this day.  We are having our celebration tomorrow at Sophie and Paul's house.  Today I am having Thanksgiving lunch here with two friends and one of their daughters. I have found a lot of us will be here today.  Some are saving up for Christmas with their families.  Lot of reasons for everything,

Betty Boop 

GOOD MORNING

Well, another season of DANCING WITH THE STARS  came to an end last night.  I guessed the winner early in the show,  But although I knew he was the best, I was pulling for Frankie who played Malcom in Malcom In The Middle.  Remember that show?  He surprised everyone with how he danced.  Oh well he won 3rd place.  Win some and loose some-that's life I guess. 

I am getting tired of therapy.  Seems I am at a stand still.  No better and no worse.  Got to go this morning and then a couple days off for Thanksgiving.  We will be at Sophia and Paul's house.  They do such a nice job at having us there.  I like their house and their style is so like them.  Well organized and they make you feel comfortable and welcome. 
Tommy is home from hospital with his second hip replacement.  Doing very good=now therapy for him.  Well I must get on with mine.

Betty Boop

TOO BUSY

I should not get too busy to write.  Things seem to be coming fast and can't keep up.  We are practicing for Christmas Choir Concert.  We need  a lot more. to be ready.by the 11th of December.  Most of the music we already know but some is a little tricky.  I will be glad when the therapy is done.  It takes so much time.  But it is helping although I doubt if I will ever be perfect again.  Well maybe I never was. 

Christmas ornaments are finished.  To deliver them will take time, but I will wait till December to start that little project. 

The meadow, as I call it. was pretty white with frost this morning.  A little too "nippy" for balcony coffee.  So here I sit looking out and sipping my coffee with Bitsy

Betty Boop

SUNDAY SUNDAY

My the weeks are flying by fast.  Christmas decorations are all up here, just not turned on yet.  I know it takes a while to put them all up and they start early.  I did that for three years, but I just can't do it anymore.  I will let someone else have the fun.  It was fun and satisfying to do it.  Everyone enjoys the massive decorations we put up.  But oh my the taking down was not so much fun.  I always look back at Christmas' past.  Now that is not all bad.  I can still experience so many feelings I had at different stages of my life.  A good thing to be able to feel them again.  Like my first skates and my first Mickey Mouse watch with the little hands that were Mickey's arms and gloved hands.  My many dolls over the years come to mind.  So many things like activities at Church, boy crushes and hopes for their attention, my own family and Truman at Christmas.  Weekends seem to be Memory Lane time.  I am glad to be able to remember. 

Betty Boop

THE ACCIDENTAL BREAKFAST GROUP

Saturday breakfast is still strange.  It all came about just by chance.  A very diverse group.  But interesting conversation.  I mostly listen.  Several topics were discussed and ended with smart phones.  Which I know nothing about.  Learned they are really "smart".  Too smart for me.  I hate my old cell phone.  But I carry it when I am away from home by myself.  That is not too often anymore.  My Saturday pancake and scrambled egg were so good.  They have finally learned how to make pancakes the way I like them. 

I got a haircut yesterday.  As I always say, I got my money's worth.  Cut short and I colored it.  It looks o.k.  It will grow and the dark will fade soon enough I hope.  I am putting finishing touches on my "nativity" family of clothespin dolls.  I am attaching the hangers today.  Cards for them made, and I need the Christmas zip lock bags that I intend to put them in.  I am real pleased with them. Hope they will make some smile.  You never know.     Jan is out of town and Saturday is not the same without her. 

Betty Boop

NOT A VERY GOOD START

Have you ever wished you could go back and start the day over?  Maybe I should have.  First it is not a good thing to wake at 5 instead of 6.  Lay there and got all tense and finally got up a little before 6.  Every bone in my body was screaming. I finally got to moving and started the day.  I forgot to put a filter in coffee pot and pulled the holder out and of course spilled water on the floor.  To bend over that early to wipe it up was a real challenge.  Bitsy begging for her breakfast did not help.  I made a complete mess of coffee, I wont try to explain.  My oatmeal almost got stuck as I rushed to clean .  I put water in Bitsy's bowl and overflowed it too.  More water to wipe up.  Everything I did was hard.  I finally sat down to oatmeal with stewed apples(made by me), cranberry juice which I overflowed trying to get the rest of the bottle empty, one piece of whole wheat toast with a slice of ham and the coffee(turned out o,k,)..Well it was good at the end and here I am telling too much.  Therapy again at 8:45.  I don't need all this so early. Can't wait to see what the day will be like, or maybe I should just go back to bed and start over.

Betty Boop

HERE COMES THE SUN

When I got up at 6 I was not sure it would show this morning, but It is 7 now and it is shinning.  Bitsy loves the early sun and has a spot on my dinning table to feel the warmth.  I just regularly put a cover over it so she can sun her lovely coat.  It is growing back and I am happy for that,

Therapy got the go ahead to continue my therapy, so here I go again at 8:45 today and tomorrow.  I wish we could get me straight.  It takes up too much time.  Patience, I am short on.  I got pictures of Amy ringing Salvation Army bell for Christmas.  Truman would be proud.  He always ran the bell for Civitan Club every year. The legacy is carried on.

Betty Boop

SURPRISE !!!

I had breakfast in Cyber and brought a second cup up to the Bubble for a change.  I was so surprised to see they had washed the windows.  Wow!!  What a difference.  I saw King egret on the other side trolling.  I saw a great blue heron fly in to the other end.  They do not associate with each other.  Several groups of ducks.  Unknown kind.  I saw a group of Canada geese swimming around.  Around the Lake came a lone walker.  In skinny jeans and white sweater.  Her long legs were really pumping and she walked to the East end and turned around and walked back.  Then on to the houses.  I guess she is under age for us on this side.  Good for her.  I hope she keeps that exercise up for I am convinced it is the best.  When I first moved her 6 and one half years ago, I could walk much better than I can now.  I did not walk all that fast but steady.  Having trouble doing that any more. 

Well I need to work on my "Nativity family."  Christmas is-a-coming fast.

Betty Boop

MORE SUNSHINE

Sunny but cold.  Well compared to some parts of the country, just cool.  Beautiful week coming up.  I am going to get my new pants altered.  I bet I could have a number of pants made from the amount that has been cut off my pants in the past,.  I buy petite short and still have to shortened them.  I laugh and say I have the body of a normal girl but legs the length of a child.  I think I stopped growing in grade school.  Grade school--who says that any more.  In my day that meant 1-6th grade.  Oh well, don't blame me, that is the era I lived in and I did not choose it.  Neither did anyone else.  I think some young people look down on "older youth" and think we are slow and stupid, but we were working with what we had at the time,  Just like you.  Some day you will be in my place and your world will change.  In fact it will all look different too.  My gosh. how did I get to preaching again.  That is not acceptable nor needed.  I am sorry. 

Betty Boop

SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDER, makes me happy.

Remember John Denver?  I don't know why, but I don't have any of his songs.  I liked him and his voice was different and nice to listen to.  The sun does make me happy.  It is the little things like that.  I am also happy to have my computer working.  I miss blogging.  It is kind of like talking to my family and friends.  Saying silly things and sometime important things too that I would not always have an opportunity to say.

No therapy today, since they have to talk to Dr. about some new stuff.  Maybe by Wednesday I can go back.  Kind of frees me up.  What will I do with all that time?  Don't
worry, I will manage to frit it away.

Betty Boop

WORKING AGAIN

Ed worked on my computer.  Cleaned it up as he said.  It is working well now and looks good.  Thanks to Ed. 
Church has been so satisfying to me since Lance came.  His sermons have been touching me. I love the ritual, the music, prayers, seeing people of the same faith. Lance is full of purpose and working so hard.  I feel like we are going to be better off now.  After Church, M.G., Ryan, Sophia and Paul. Amy and me had lunch at' my favorite Chinese place--Mr. Chins'.  They have the best and biggest shrimp than anybody.  There shrimp and vegetables are excellent.  It was good.  I forgot  my hearing aids and I did not know they made such a difference.  They do.  I told everyone to speak up and look at me when they were speaking to me.  It helped.  No need to tell Lance that, he speaks very well and I can hear him. 

I love the cool weather.  Hope it continues.  Work on the "holy family" Christmas ornaments are going right along.  It is a little annoying to have to put it all away from Bitsy.  She is bound and determined to play with baby Jesus.  They are so cute. The little peg dolls are perfect.  I used to make all sorts of clothespin dolls.  Truman would bore holes in the dolls for the arms which I made from pipe cleaners.  I even remember making Japanese ones when I decorated for a Japanese speaker at a UMW luncheon.  I have always like dolls and used to have many, many, my Mother said.  I hope everyone likes these I am making for gifts this year.      Well lets call it a day and hope for a good tomorrow.

Betty Boop

IT WORKED (my computer)

Amy and M.G, came for lunch.  A nice surprise.  We enjoyed our lunch in the Cyber.  While we were eating we smelled something burning in the kitchen and they ran around and put out the burn whatever it was.  It filled the café with a burning smell.  They opened the doors to the outside and soon the smell went away.  Kind of a little excitement.  Still don't know what was burning.  Probably toast.  Anyway. Bitsy was glad to see them although she shied away from Amy since she is the one who puts her in her carrier and carts her off to see the Vet.   She decided it was not going to happen today.  Mary Grace looked at my computer and fixed so I can get on my blog.  Temporary fix. She agreed I may need a new one.  Anyway, they helped me feel better.  Mary Grace said I need to buck up and not be so sad.  It is hard when I have had so much pain a discomfort lately.  I will try harder.

Betty Boop

Brrrrrrr

YES IT FEELS GOOD.  Maybe with a little sunshine {promised} it will be nice.  I do not plan to go out today, but sunshine helps anyway.  Bitsy seems better.  Very frisky and looking for trouble everywhere.  Although I don't like some of her ways, I am happy to see her feeling better.  Hope she keeps it up. 

I think I will work on my Christmas project later this morning.  Tomorrow looks like a full and busy day.  I need to save up more energy for that.  Singing {?} in the Choir is important to me and we will honor Veterans.  I just love singing those songs.  Friday at 3 we will sing. 

Betty Boop
P. S.  I tried the whipped honey on toast.  Like the straight stuff better.

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

Well be careful what you ask for==you might get it.  Weather I am talking about.  Nice and cool and cloudy all day.  Since I wrote this morning, I went to therapy.  An exercise I did raising my arms with a bar to guide me, caused a muscle spasm in my arm and we had to stop for the day before my hour was up.  It hurt and they iced it and got it calmed and she told me to go home, rest it and take ibuprofen.  It feels alright now, but I was disappointed.  Oh well, I will catch up Friday. 

Our Choir is singing Friday afternoon , our Veterans Tribute Concert.  I love singing the patriotic songs.  So I am being careful not to do any damage to my arm before then.  Origin Bank is giving a hamburger dinner tonight for all of us.  I am not going.  It is very popular.  You can't beat "free."  The Honey Man came from  Canton  to sell his honey today.  I bought some whipped honey.  Ever had that?  I will use it instead of jelly on my toast.  I also finished wrapping my "baby Jesus' in swaddling clothes.  Betsy thinks they  are cute and made for her to play with.  I had to think of creative ways to make her leave them alone.  She kept telling me "but they roll so good, why can't I play with them?"  Next is to finish joining Mary and Joseph together (glue."  Then glue baby in Mary's arms.  I am moving right along with them.  Have to make their hanger and then a greeting tag.  Christmas will be here before I know it.

Betty Boop

HERE I GO AGAIN

Therapy.  I will say no more about that.   Jan took me to DILLARD"S yesterday.  I went wild.  I needed pants and jeans.  That is a wild experience.  Jan is so patient and helpful.  Taking back and bringing more.  It is hard enough, but if I had to do it all, I would not hold out.  It took a while and we were late for lunch.  Hurried to TRACE GRILL and could not even talk till we had a few bites.  Hamburger steak, creamed corn and cole slaw cornbread and tea for me.  It was so good.  I then needed a nap.  But our trip was a success.  I need to go to the alteration lady now.  But first    therapy.  That may be all for today.

Betty Boop

GOOD MORNING

Just got back from therapy.  Looks like I will go for a while.  Such knots and tension  in both shoulders.  New routine this morning.  Different machine, felt strange and I think it feels better.  We will see.
Church was fine.  I always am glad to go.  I liked the music especially from the choir.  Lunch at the Patrick's .  Back from their travels.
Well must tend to my laundry and go to lunch.   Later.

Betty Boop

MUGGY MORNING

I sat on balcony this morning.  Kind of warm and muggy, but not too bad.  All was quiet.  King Egret has again taken over the pier.  My side is deep and he can't wade for food, so I don't know his motive.  In flew Mr. blue heron.  He is smaller but King of the Pier moved on.  Guess he does not like company.  I just let my imagination  run away again.

I like the time change, Slept good on my new contour pillow.  Think I will keep it.  I need something to let me sleep better.

Going to Church.  Highlight of the week.  Well one of them anyway.  When I stop and think about highlights, there are many.(poem title).  Walking the halls and seeing friends.  My girls coming to visit.  Phone  call from Linda.  Phone call from Karen.  My delight in finding cinnamon butter, Coffee and thoughts on the Balcony, Many, many choices.  How lucky and blessed I am.

Betty Boop

CRAZY LAPTOP

I was just happily typing along and it took my writing away!!Rude.  Well, here I go again.  This computer has me baffled.  I have been trying all day to get on my blog and could not till just now,  And it just went away while I was typing.  I guess it is getting old and cranky like me. 

Anyway Jan and I bought pansies for me yo put in my pots.  I will do that tomorrow maybe.  Just can't do a lot in one day.  We got groceries for me.  Had lunch on the Terrace overlooking the Lake.  Our favorite thing to do.  I took a rest while she went to shop for me a new pillow.  The therapist suggested I try a contour pillow.  She brought two for me to try.  (Jan).  I will try one tonight.  Hope it helps. 

Summertime again.  And don't forget to set your clocks back tonight.  Extra sleep if you can fool yourself.

Betty Boop

UP EARLY

I like this early OT time.  It gets it out of the way early and does not ruin a day.  But this morning at 6 it was still a little dark.  Day light saving time will start Sunday and it will be dark early.  It was cloudy early and that made it more so.  I did have coffee out  on the Balcony.  I saw the ducks come awake, the Egret start to fish for his breakfast, and heard the first bird wake.  It was so peaceful and no other noise.  Try it, you may like it as I do.

I am working on the baby Jesus babies.  Wrapping them and tying cord around them.  They are so sweet and Bitsy thinks so too.  She has been pretty good at not bothering them and I just cover my work with a cloth at night, but she loved fishing the babies out of the box I keep the completed ones in==they roll really good.  I worked too much at just doing that one step yesterday and my arm was a little tight at therapy.  She said  not to do one thing long at a time, just rest between.  It is kind of hard with my finger tips not what they used to be. Nothing is.  So what else is new?  I still have plenty of time before Christmas.  Or do I?  Time seems to fly.  Well how about a coke and a cracker with cheese?  I am up for that.

Betty Boop

O BOY !!! 77 DEGREES

That means I get to drink second cup-o-coffee on the Balcony.  And it was perfect.  I watched the clouds rush by in hopes of a little rain.  The grass needs it since the sprinklers are under repair.  It was cool enough to feel real good with a little gentle breeze.  I saw a gaggle of Canada geese fly over, circle the lake before landing on the water.  My they are a noisy bunch.  I often wonder why all the fuss.  They float around a little and take off again.  The resident Egret is undisturbed.  He thinks they are a rude group and is glad to see them go.  All the other ducks have flown South.  Wonder where they go and if their habitat has been disturbed by all the bad weather. 

I  have a "free" day.  Nothing planned.  I think I will work on my Christmas "happies."  Wrapping the infant Jesus in swaddling clothes is a challenge.  They are so cute.  Bitsy is better and is flying around, high on steroid.  I need some of her potion.  Well I will get on with my free day and try to make it productive.

Betty Boop

TO BRING YOU UP

WE GIVE THANKS

 

For those who fight to keep us free.

No other country can compare.

I think we have found the key,

Be thankful, for it is rare.

 

Dot Ellis for the November Library board.

 

 

DOWN THE HALLS WE GO

 

Down the Hall I daily go.

Sometime too dark to tell.

But I read you like a pro.

By your "walk" I know  you well.

 

Some walk fast-some slow.

Some sway to and fro.

But this one thing I really know.

We're glad to be able to just GO!!

 

Dot Ellis, for the November Villager

 

Just thought you would like to see what I have been doing.

 

Betty Boop