LAUGHTER

Had guest.  Jan, Cary, and two of the cutest , sweetest. most well behaved funniest, great grands any one ever had.  They had lunch with me and had a visit with Bitsy.  She loved them and they played with her.  She seemed to think they were kittens to play with.  They loved her toys and she sat right in the middle of them the whole time.  She was sad when they left.  I haven't laughed so much in a while.  Children are good for what ales you. 

My it is going to get cold so they tell me.  I wonder if the weather people can really tell?  I hope we won't have the icy mix they expect.  We are having a New Year's Eve party to see the old out and new in.  Everyone laughs when I tell them it will be from 6:30 till 8:00.  More my speed anyway.  Never could last till midnight.  Had to see the ball come down on the news the next day. 

See you later, when something happens.

Betty Boop

CORTISONE " ROTATOR CUFF

Bitsy gets little spurts  of energy and she races from one end of the apartment to the other.  Cortisone kicking in.  I also am under the influence of the drug.  It keeps me from hurting while I am healing and getting therapy.  Powerful drug.  I am making progress, so they tell me, and I still have to go all through January.  Kind of takes my days when I go. But this is what I have to do.  January is filled with appointments and I will get it over for a while.  Now Bitsy has to wait till February for her appointment with a cat allergist.  Can you believe that?  I did not know such a Dr. exist.  But they are few and far between.  Do you know what a rotator cuff is?  Go to the dictionary and it will tell you: a group of muscles, under the deltoid muscle, covering the shoulder joint and connecting the humerus to the spacula:  it controls shoulder  rotation.  So now you know,

Betty Boop

ALMOST GONE

This year, I mean.  I really am surprised to have come to the end of another year.  I thought I would be with Truman by now.  I guess, It is beyond me--way beyond me to understand why I am here.  But alas I am here and I will make the most of it and be grateful. 

We have new items on our dinners  now.  Yesterday I had Pork Chop Jack Daniel.  Don't know what Jack Daniel taste like so I had to take their word for it.  It was alright.  Something different.  They have added sugar-free desserts too.  I like that. Everyone is sporting winter sweaters and sweat suits.  It is cold.  Really it is warm inside here.  Thank the Lord for that.  I don't like to be cold.  Bitsy is staying away from the windows and is huddled down in strange places.  I guess she knows where the warm spots are.  I guess the climate is changing.  I remember having snow often as a little girl.  Still exciting.  Daddy would worry about the pipes freezing and would wrap them in rags.  Today we have better ways.  We would draw water in the tub for flushing and we did not have to take a bath so often.  Had to heat water.  Come to think of it--it is not so different today.  My car is sitting outside and I don't know if it has antifreeze or not.  Wish I had some one to take care of it.

My, My how I have jumped around with this blog.  Forgive me.

Betty Boop 

EVE & DAY

Both were perfect.  Good food (plenty) good conversations, laughter, teasing. jokes, and much more.  We missed those who for various reasons could not be with us.  Cary and children are at this moment flying it.  They will be here a few days and we will all get to see them at one time or other.  I hope they will have lunch with me one day.  Brody likes that. Grilled cheese sandwich and fruit.  I wonder when he will decide he can have something else.  That is hard to beat.  I like it too.  Any way, time marches on and soon we start another New Year.  Here's to good health and prosperity for all of my family,

Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS GIFT !!!!!

Got you I hope.  What a beautiful morning.  32 degrees but the sun is shinning.  What more can you ask of the weather.  We had a wonderful night at the Wolf House last night.  Tradition says we gather for Christmas Eve with my side of the family.  It was always my Mother's Christmas and she did it all herself.  Of course there were not as many people but her little house was full.  That is where we started fried chicken for supper.  She cooked it all.  I can't remember taking a single dish.  How insensitive of me.  I think she wanted it that way.  Now we carry on with a huge gathering of cousins and friends and I am the old girl.  We caught up on good things that are happening and some sad too but everyone was happy to be together at Paul and Sophia's beautiful home. They went all out to make it festive and elegant and we all appreciate them.

Now on to Christmas Day at Jan and Tommy's house.  They are also the perfect hosts.  I am proud of all my family and how they do care for each  other---and me.
Merry Christmas and we miss those who could not make it.  Maybe next year,



Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS EVE

Lot going on everywhere.  I feel like I am looking at a movie,  My role is so different these days.  I have been there and done that as they say.  But I am looking forward to tonight at Sophie and Paul's to see Jack's family.  Fried chicken  is the tradition from my mother.  So good.  Kroger makes it almost as good as she did. Better than mine.  We will miss Linda's children and Cary too, but Cary & children are coming after Christmas.  Wow.  How they work it out, I do not know.  But so be it.
Betty Boop

BREAKFAST

You know, my Saturday breakfast group is something not planned, but come if you can.  We had 5 this morning and one was coming in late as I left.  I like the difference in everyone.  Makes for a nice visit each time.  We learned  of the newly sick and the ones on the mend and who is going out of town.  I am glad to stay here myself.  We will get together, those who can over the next few days and catch up.  I am glad to be feeling better since new treatment for my shoulder is underway.  Enough of that,  We will get to a place of management and live with it.  So be it. 

I got a nice little haircut and I feel like a load has been lifted.  Isn't is great what a haircut can to.  The goodies keep coming and I must stop this tasting spree.!!!!
I must save some room for all that is to come.

Betty Boop

TIME MARCHES ON

I remember my children's Christmas's past as well as my own.  The excitement and mystery and wonder was the same as mine as a child.  I could hardly wait to see the look on their faces as they got the gifts of their dreams.  I loved all the dolls over the years as much as they did.  The year Linda and Jan got the little kitchen that Truman made from apple boxes.  We painted a stove on them and they got dish pans to wash dishes.  I have pictures. Linda seemed to like the kitchen best and Jan got those baby dolls clean.  I put toys on lay=a=way every year at THE PLAY PEN, which was a toy wonderland and we liked to visit and pick out wishes.  I remember Amy's CREAPY CRAWLER  kit.  That was dangerous and she loved it.  I could go on and on but space will not allow.  But all good.  I remember Jan's doll Ruthie and Linda's mouse game.  I bet their memories are different.  I would like to hear them.  enough of that, but how sweet to be able to capture these memories and still remember.

Betty Boop

FOGGY MORNING

Rain gone for now.  Looks like a rainy Christmas.  That's o. k.  We will be alright with our family. as many as can come.  I know Santa likes his children to be home for his arrival.  I used to like to be a home when my girls were young too.  It is the right thing to do.  Maybe after Christmas we can see the rest of the family.

It is so foggy this morning.  The lake was almost not there.  When the fog lifted, we saw two large birds floating and I think they were pelicans.  Looked like them  to me.  They stayed a while and the other ducks ignored them.  I guess they were off course and hunting water.  Just a little excitement.  Oh, I went to have coffee with the exercise group.  I am waiting for my next visit with a new therapy Dr.  to exercise.  I have  a "funny" I picked up at coffee.  One lady sprayed her hair with her deodorant instead of hair spray.  She said at least it smelled good.   Good for her.  I have a full rest of the day as we are leading a sing along with the choir to any one who wants to come in and sing Christmas music and then at 4 I am going to Methodist service here.  The Highland Methodist Church hand bell choir is going to play.  We have had an amazing amount of good programs this year.  I can't do them all.  But I will try.

Betty Boop 

ACCIDENTAL BREAKFAST CLUB

Again I enjoyed one pancake and a scrambled egg, bacon and coffee.  Look forward to it every Saturday when the blood sugar reading will allow.  Also the company is interesting.  Subjects of topic:  Did you save your flowers from the cold? The employees Christmas party and bonus gift. (best ever).  pancakes were the best today, So you see where I am going?  Nothing of importance was discussed.  Something about the new tax bill which went over my head.  At least I stay silent, trying to learn something, but I guess I will rely on Tommy for that.  He is doing so well with his recovery this time.

I have been receiving gifts and cards that make me happy.  I love my new friends and am again happy to be here. 

Betty Boop

P.S. for yesterday

I should have sent this yesterday but I thought you would have enough to laugh at.  So I save "the rest of the story" for today.  After settling down Security about the help cord that got set off and brought even the head security to my rescue, I did it again.  No not the help cord but the fire alarm.  I had a couple of apples that needed to be used and like many times I decided to cook them with a little cinnamon and sweet stuff.  Good on oatmeal.  Lesson learned:  Never turn on the stove, leave something to simmer and sit down to a good book!!!!  It smelled so good cooking.  And all of a sudden it smelled too good.  I burned them pretty bad.  I threw open the balcony door and did all the things I could to stop the smoke.  But alas they came knocking on the door.  A whole team again,  headed by the "man", again.  He laughed and said I was making a reputation for myself.  They were nice about it.  I am soaking a pan that I may have to discard and no apples.  I was again embarrassed .  Just earlier someone burned bagels on my floor .  We kept them running.  I learned they are the best in the world at security and understanding,  I feel safe.  I do hope this is a day when I do nothing to bring them running, but I know they will come if needed--with a smile of relief that I am alright. 

Betty Boop

WHAT A START

I woke up thinking , this is going to be a fine slow day.  I decided to let Cyber cook my breakfast. I took it slow to avoid the usual breakfast crew because I preferred to dine alone today.  All of a sudden a loud crash brought me rushing to my bathroom where Bitsy had swiped my toothbrush holder and cup to the floor and in the process she pulled the emergency cord and turned it on.  I did not know how to turn if off since I had never used it.  I braced myself for help and it came in a few minutes with the head security man, Roger the tec man,  guess the picked him up on the way,
and a nurse.  I was totally embarrassed to say the least.  They are the kindest people in the world.  They assured me I was not the first and surely not the last who had done this and they were more than happy to know I was safe.  That is their job and they do it well.  What am I to do with Bitsy?  I did not blame it on her to them.  I took the blame for the mistake.  I went on to breakfast and enjoyed it.  When I came back up their had been another alarm.  This time smoke,  Someone had burned something.  The hall was full of smoke. Security  was busy this morning early. It reminded me how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful place. Well let me go see what else interesting will happen today.  Hope it is all good.

Betty Boop

CHOIR SINGS

I am proud to be a member of our SCV choir.  We sang to a full room yesterday.  Everyone looked beautiful in red and white.  We have a nice number of men now.  They looked good in red ties and sang their best.  I was so proud to have Jan and Amy to come.  And to have Tommy walk in without any aid was pretty special.  He is doing great after his second hip replacement surgery.  I think we sang pretty good.  Everyone said we did.  I know I received a blessing from being a part of it.

Time marches on and we are busy planning for Christmas.  It takes some planning when their are so many involved and they are all scattered and having to make plans.  I hope we can get them all together.  Maybe most will get to see each other.  It is good to have a slow day.  But you never know what will pop up.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

The church was beautiful today.  I was proud that my daughter Amy was instrumental in seeing it so well done.  It is hard to describe how lovely it looked.  Surprise in that Lucy came with Amy to church and then to lunch with Sophie and Paul.  She is home from school and likes to come with Amy to church.  We are getting a larger crowd now and I am so happy for that.  Broadmeadow has so much to offer and I wish some old members would come back as well as new also.  Maybe that is in the plan.  Hope so.

Our Christmas program by our Choir (I am a member) is this afternoon.  Jan, Tommy, and Amy will come.  Maybe others.  I know it will be a blessing to all that come.  I know we choir members get so much from singing.    Plans are being made for our family, hope I can feel better and can enjoy.

Betty Boop

BREAKFAST

Great breakfast.  One pancake makes me happy for the week.  Great group minus one and plus another.  It varies.  Several subjects.  I was glad no one brought up Trump's visit.  We talked about things we remembered about Christmas as a child.  Interesting what each remembers.  My memories change and I remember new things all the time.  I guess my past memory is better than the present.  I just got a gift of a cheese ball from a friend.  That always impresses me for someone to go to all the trouble of making them.  I was full from breakfast but I had to taste  and it is soooooo good!!!

Jan is coming for lunch. The snow has not all melted but with the sun. I am sure it will soon be just a beautiful memory.    I am finding I  made a lot of people happy with my happies.  And that makes me happy. 

Betty Boop

LET IT SNOW

What a beautiful sight this morning.  I think the weather people were surprised at what we are getting here in Madison.  It is after 7 and still coming down in large flakes.  I took my coffee to the Bubble (no one up this early on my wing ) and watched it for a while.  Bitsy is interested in it, watching from the glass door to the balcony.  It is a beautiful sigh everywhere I look.  It really brings us to a halt as we are not used to it.  Maybe that is a good thing.  I am glad I don't have to go out today.  Stay safe and enjoy.

We had a very nice Christmas party for independents yesterday.  Beautiful music and refreshments.  It was well attended.  Frankie at my table said if you have free food they will come.  True!! Everyone looked festive and happy,  Hope our Choir concert goes as well.  I finished delivering my Holy Family of clothespin dolls yesterday.  I could think of more I could have given, but 48 is enough I guess.  But Amy asked me to make 20 more for a project at church she is doing.  What fun.  I get to bring out my tools of my trade====glue gun, ribbon, string and set up shop again.  I am glad to do it.

Betty Boop

Brrrrrrr !!!!!!

Well it is 43 degrees.  Ashley and Bryan would laugh at this temp.  But to us here in the south, it is cold.  A little wind makes it feel colder.  Not balcony weather.  Bitsy, even with her long fur is huddled next to the lamp's warmth.  Smart kitty.

I hope to go to the grocery store today.  I need a lot of things  Maybe some hot chocolate mix sounds good.  I am delivering my nativity people and it is a job.  Little at a time does it.  Been well received so far. We are having a Christmas party tomorrow with some special guest.  Guess I will go.  Wish I had something pretty to wear.  Much of my Christmas attire is outdated==just like me.

Betty Boop

COLD ON THE WAY?

The weather men and girls have been talking about this cold front coming and I bet they have scared it off.  I sat on the Balcony for coffee at 6; 45 and it has not arrived just yet.  I do hope it brings much needed rain.  It was very quiet and only two walkers passed by.  Not even ducks or King heron. 

I have started delivering my ornaments .  I have so many that I have to do a few at the time.  So far they have been well received.  I have heard from a few of my friends.  I hate to let them go, for I have liked doing them.       Back to therapy this morning.  I see very little progress.  I am beginning to wonder why.  Is there something wrong that we are missing?  Well I am doing everything they tell me to do.  Just want to get well.

Betty Boop

BACK AGAIN

I told the SCV man who keeps us on track that we old ladies who are always screwing up keep his busy..  He laughed but did not say it was not so.  He is so nice and kind and I do appreciate him a lot.  I was off all weekend and it was a long one.  I got sick Sunday as I was preparing to go to Church and had to stay home.  I hated to miss so much since it is Christmas time and so much good things go on at Church.  I am feeling better today and I will try to carry on today.  I just can't seem to get to feeling tip top anymore.  I wonder why?

Betty Boop

SLOW DAY

I have gotten to the where I like a slow day.  With freedom to do what I want.  Turns out those days get full too.  Laundry had to be done. and hair needed attention.  Jan and
Tommy came to my Spa in the morning instead of afternoon.  We brought lunch up to the Bubble and it was nice.  Amy dropped by with the gift bags I needed.  All in all it was busy but all in a good way. 

I braved the Balcony for coffee this morning.  Little nippy but so good.  I saw an airplane doing writing in the sky.  Well he was making streaks across the sky.  Six ducks all in a formation and settled so still.  Too cold to move I guess.  Pretty sight. I have therapy at 9.  I am tired of it but I am still having trouble so I wont give up yet.

Betty
Boop