BIRTHDAY GIRL (I use that word loosely)

Yes the big day has arrived.  I started it by waking at 5:30.  Gross.  Why can't I sleep late on my birthday?  Habit?  I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks.  I had breakfast in the Cyber all by myself.  Two eggs, over light, Breanne cooks them perfect.  Sausage, rye toast. and of course coffee.  O. K. that was a good start.  Jan and Amy are taking me to lunch.  Amerigo"s  Love that place.  But then I love a lot of places to eat.  Don't know why  I don't weigh 150 instead of 100.  Can't worry about that.  I went to the Bubble in my robe at 5:30 or so to see the moon .  It was half covered and very unusual to see.  No one else was there. thank goodness.  We are also going to look at new chairs for me to sit in.  Mine is just about "sat out."  Jan has been shopping for a new one too and found one for me to look at.  A good chair is important and I use mine a lot.  Hope the new ones she saw fit me.  I am so short and hard to fit in anything I buy.  I used to be four feet - eleven and a half. At my recent check-up I was 4 feet 10.  Help I am shrinking.  Another sign of 91.  I keep saying that.  Lots of signs going on.  Did you listen to the President"s State of the Union address.?  Shame on you if you didn"t.  He is our president and maybe not the best choice, but he deserves respect,  After all, this is America.  And aren't we proud to be Americans?  Enough, I don't know enough to discuss it except to say God Bless America.
Betty Boop

TUESDAY MORNING

Hey, that is the name of a store-Tuesday Morning's  Never know what you will find in that store.  I used to go to it when I lived on Riverwood.  Their was a store in a building where we had a movie Theater.  I took grandchildren to that theater and I still feel guilty because I would take then into the drug store next door to buy candy and put it in my purse till we were in the theater and the lights were turned out before I gave it to them.  The candy was so expensive in the theater and I guess I was teaching them something wrong.  What do you think.?  I remember Truman would frown on my taking sugar packets from any place where we ate out.  He should see the stuff people pack in their purses here.  I think it is a mental sign with some.  Oh my how we teach with example. 

Hey  the sun just popped out though it is 26 degrees.  Winter is still here.  I have lost anything I left out on the balcony.  I guess a new start will be good this spring. 

Betty Boop

STURDAY & SUNDAY

Big day Saturday.  Jan and I started out in a light rain.  "Baby needs new shoes."  I really got lucky.  I have discovered Dr. Scholls  shoes fit me well and feel good.
They don't cost  as much as some to begin  with  One place on Lakeland carries them.  They are discounted to begin with and they were also on another sale and to top that when we told her my birthday was in January(they ask crazy questions) I got a $5 gift off.  So I ended up paying $25 for $70 shoes.  My that day started good.  Next we bought an ice pack for my shoulder.  It will help and I keep it ready in the freezer.  Then we tried to track down White Rain hair spray.  Old brand and nobody that I could find carried it except my CVS.  We looked at another CVS and they did not have it nor mine either.  Have you seen it anywhere?  Let me know.  Bought other beauty aids Then we topped it off with a hamburger at MOG SHOTS.  Best anywhere.  Try them.  They are so big that we split one as well as the beer battered FF's.  Was pretty tired but happy.  Lord bless my girls.  I am blessed beyond any.  Now this morning Amy is involved in a bride's  shower at her house and Lord forgive us we will miss church.  But when the ox is in the ditch, get him out.  I'll go to church here and also eat lunch here and I will be fine. 

Betty Boop

SATURDAY BREAKFAST

Small group (5) I guess that is pretty good.  Started off, one member had been to the Museums with St. Catherine's  bus group and gave a glowing report.  They spent 4 hours there and he said he would have to go back to see it all.  I was real proud to hear someone I knew to say that.  I don't know if I could stand that kind of tour.  I would poop out.  Then we had a discussion that no one seemed to know the answer.  We had a pair of swans for two days and they left.  Don't know where they came from nor where they went when they left.  Some say they are very aggressive, so it is just as well they move on, though they were so pretty and regal.  Then they are starting up a new line dancing class.  Many have signed up.  Not me.  Then various people who are sick or down for some reason. was discussed.  All I could contribute was I saw the Blues Marathon start at 7 this morning.  Rain did not stop them.  It is a real biggie here.
Jan is coming and we are going to buy me new shoes.  So wish me luck!!!

Betty Boop

BITSY

I have an intelligent cat.  Something funny that we do together.  I read a devotional and prayer every morning.  She comes and sits on the arm of the chair.  I decided she wanted to know what I am doing.  So sometime I read bible verses to her and she listens and watches me talk.  Sometime I pray out loud and she seems to enjoy that.  But pushing it a little farther, I decided to sing One Day At A Time.  You know Crystal Gales song.  That pushed it too far.  She reached over and lightly nipped me on the arm as if to say "Please don't do that."  That tells me my voice is not pleasing to her if I sing.  So I wont do that again.

Betty Boop

CHECKING IT OFF

My "to do" list has been long this week.  But I am checking it off.  Shoulder Doctor today.  Hope to get some answers .  Friends around here tell me I look tired and sick.  Observers here are very observant.  Not a good thing sometime.  I am tired and a little sick, but I am working on it. 

Sun is shinning but a little cool.  I don't go till 2 this afternoon, so I am having a slow morning for a change.  I want to get back to writing so much.  Maybe soon.  Ideas seem to come but go away before I can develop them.  Is that writers block?  Do I dare put myself in that group? 

Betty Boop

DAY TWO OF BUSY WEEK

I wish I had something  funny or even clever to write.  But after all this is the big appointment week.  Of course so far it has been good reports.  The annual went well.  Everyone including my Dr. is proud of me.  She wishes she could see more healthy 91 year olds.  I hope she knows how hard I work at it.  A big part of good health is paying attention to those who take care of you and to follow their orders.  After all they know more than I do.  I don't mean to accept everything without question.  I try to educate myself on every subject that pertains to my health and to try and do what I know is best.  It is hard and sometime I fail miserably but I forge ahead and try not to make too many mistakes.  It all evens out in the end.  Today will be an easy one.  O.T. and then hearing aid check.  So at least it is not storming like yesterday as Amy safely got us through  rain storm and early morning traffic.  My she is a good driver. Bless her.  We had the most wonderful breakfast between lab work and actual appointment in the Belhaven building.  I forget the name of the restaurant.  They have the best coffee I have ever had.  The rest was good too. We did have a good laugh when I put on the gown they brought me.  Oh there goes your dignity!  It covered me from my neck to the floor.  So funny and then when I had to walk the hall to get another test they put another robe on top tp keep me warm.  I was a sight.  Actually Amy took my picture.  Maybe we will share it.  Don't know yet.

Well as you can see my blog is nothing but about my health.  Big subject.  I need to get on to something else soon.  Bare with me.  It seems to be all about me.  What a subject!!

Betty Boop 

FULL WEEK AHEAD

Good start today.  Lunch with family at M.G. and Ryan's house to celebrate birthdays for Ryan, Paul, and me.  We share birthdays with other "greats."  Good month to be born.  Monday is my annual physical .  Tuesday is hearing aid check up and O.T. that morning, Wednesday is O.T. Thursday is shoulder Dr. Friday is O.T. again.  So you see it is mighty full for an aging 90, almost 91.  Whew!!!!  Makes me tired to think about it.  Am I worth it?  Sometime I wonder.  Again, I have to tell myself to be thankful for the many blessings I have.  For instance-- Scrambled eggs filled with chopped ham. English muffin. O. J. and coffee.  Mighty fine as I watched the sky light up and it was beautiful.   Just wish I could be through with this therapy, it takes so much time and I don't have time to enjoy St. Catherine's as I used to.  No writing has been going on. I also am thankful for Sunday's when I can go to Church, free to worship and to sit by my sweet Amy.  What a joy.  So you see, it is not all bad.  In fact mostly great.

Betty Boop

AND WE ARE BACK

The talk among other things was about the BIG SHUT DOWN.  Thursday the power went down as was planned for I hour to work on big building project here.  That in it's self was a biggie here.  We were prepped and prepared. yet excited.  It all went as planned and when they turned the power back on, it shut down TV, computers and in some cases telephone.  O my gosh what panic to fine out what was wrong.  The  halls were full of people asking. Finally messages were sent out that a unexpected thing happened.  A rare thing.  Still do not understand it all but 40-50 power boxes  had to be ordered overnight because none were in stock.  C-Spire was in a dither.  They had men and trucks everywhere.  The word was it would be connected when the parts were here Friday.  Oh my, all I could think about was no BIG BANG THERORY or SHELDON.  It was strange the way everyone reacted.  I took it o, k, but was thankful we still had power for lights and heat.  It was Friday in the afternoon when it was restored and now we just have a paper of apology and hard explanations. we may never know what really  happened.  They said the boxes experienced an outage from power surge similar to a lighting strike when we regained electricity.  So be it!!!  The thing is we are to have another shut down Tuesday, and they hopefully will be better prepared should it happen again.   So that is my news, it all turned out alright, but I don't want that to happen again.  People are funny, you should hear the stories.

Betty Boop

LATE BREAKFAST

I have a free day (from OT) so I took it slow and did not rush.  I ate breakfast at 8 downstairs at the Cyber.  By myself and enjoyed it.  Two scrambled eggs, ham, wheat toast, and coffee.  So very good.  I had a second cup of coffee and I think the cups hold two, so I am awake for the day.  Still a lingering of snow around and the sea gulls  have returned in small numbers. Sun is shining but still cold. 

My therapy hurt yesterday.  She is doing exercises that are a little hard.  I hurt a little all morning, but I am o.k. today.  I guess they have to push a little to see how far you can go.  My this has been a trip.  I can't think about much else so I have not been writing poems lately .  I met Mary Ann just now and told her I would get back soon I hope.  I think of subjects and they just wont "jell."  Guess it happens to all writers.  Ha!!  I have a lot of nerve calling me a writer.  sounds good, but not true.

Been reading a lot,  New Amish books by Charlotte Hubbard.  I do love Amish books.  So sweet and you know it will turn out o. k. though they go through a lot.  I was glad to find two books I had not read.  By Richard Paul, Evans and one by Nicholas Sparks.  Both good writers.  So I am fixed with something to do.  Good to read when you have to stay in.  Well this has been a long Blog.  Hope it is not too much jibber jabber.

Betty Boop

Brrrrrrr !!!!

It is cold.  I do believe it will snow again.  It is barely daylight. so I can't see what is going on.  T V people are promising a small amount, but it does not take a lot to mess us up.  Of course the water breaks are bad in Jackson.  I am so glad I do not have to deal with that anymore.  I will do a little laundry this morning.  Maybe a few other mundane things and look out the window a lot.  Stay warm everyone and be careful. 

Betty Boop

OLD GIRL--NEW TRICKS ?

O. K. I am the "old girl".  And Jan is trying to teach me new tricks.  Good luck.  I am willing but I don't know if I can learn any more.  Jan brought me a new telephone from my girls. I can even text now.  That brings me out of the "dark ages" into the present.  It will even take pictures.  Something I have admired in others.  I had lesson # 1 yesterday and was exhausted and confused but determined.  I just might get to be a pest too.  I received texts and sent them and called and received calls till I got tired.  Later that night I ventured out on my own and still had a funny session.  I hope Jan and Tommy wont tell all.  I woke up thinking about it, but I haven's turned it on yet.  It is a little addictive. 

I hope the weather man is wrong this time about snow on Tuesday for us.  I have an appointment with my hearing aid lady.  One is too loud and very annoying in a crowd of noise.  Maybe we can make it before the big snow comes.    Church today.  I always look forward to it.  Means so much to me to actually go and sing and listen to Lance and see old friends.  Nothing like it.  I am sorry for those who can not see the need to worship in God's house on Sunday.

Betty Boop 

SATURDAY

Overslept and missed breakfast with friends this morning.  Not to worry , I had breakfast at lunch time with Jan.  I had breakfast, She had lunch.  She brought me a new phone, from my girls for my birthday.  Mine was as old as the hills and useless.  Of courses  they change and are      old a week from the time you buy them.  My how they change.  Jan instructed me.  She is a very good teacher.  I absorbed as much as I could.  I was delighted to see I can take and send pictures on the phone and text too.  I hope I remember my lesson.  She said I could not mess the phone up in trying to work it, but we will see.  I am usually a champion at "mess up".  They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks.  I am trying. 
I talked to Linda back and forth practicing,  They got 2 inches of snow.  She was excited and it did look pretty.  We might get some on Tuesday say the weather people.  Nothing but trouble here because of the water breaks they are struggling to repair.

I can't seem to get enough time to write poems.  I think of subjects but by the time I get to write, I forget what I thought.  O well, the world wont stop if I never write one again. 
But I do enjoy writing.  Maybe when the Dr,'s appointments are all done and therapy is just a memory, I will write again. 

Betty Boop 

SNOW?

Surely not for us.  Cold rain anyway.  I am glad to be able to stay in today.  My dental appointment went well and I am free for another 6 months.  Amy took me yesterday and we had lunch at a favorite place--Piccadilly .  I know most of my family would prefer someplace else but Jan, Amy, and I eat there when we get a chance.  They cook veggies so well.  Not greasy but still southern style.  Anyway I got my fill yesterday with a seafood salad, green beans. baby(I mean baby) lima beans, turnip greens, and cornbread.  So good. 

Well I must get on with my day.  A friend has a birthday today.  We will eat lunch together and I made my usual flower decorated Birthday card.  Hope she likes it.  It is her first b. day here.   knew her in the Good Sam days.

Betty Boop

ROLLING ALONG

Rolling but not real smooth.  This month is filled with Dr.'s appointments.  Today is the dentist.  How I dread it.  Visions of childhood visits are not good.  Today I should not be afraid, and I'm not really.  Just dread what the problems may be.  O well.  So be it.  Then I have my annual check up with regular Dr.  I also have an ear appointment and an eye one too.  I will get it all done and maybe it wont do me in.  Oh yes, an appointment with my shoulder Dr. and mix in my therapy three times a week to hopefully get me working on both shoulders.  Next month the foot Dr.  My it sounds intimidating  doesn't it?  And to top it off--it is raining.  I am thankful for the good care I can afford and will try to do better.  After all this is also birthday month.  I don't wont to be a bore, but I will be 91 if I make it to the 31st.  Here's hoping and praying I can make it.

Betty Boop

Rain and a little cool

Get the weather report out of the way.  It is kind of dreary though.  I just got back from therapy.  My therapist is so good. She is trying to get me pain-free. and she is doing a good job.  Soon be finished.  I am on the way to lunch in a few minutes.  Hope I get something to laugh about and not just "gossip."  I have come to  hate the way some talk about others.  Not right and it goes against me..I just listen and don't comment.  I went by the desk to fine out who found my little spoon pin.  They said it just appeared on the desk when no one was there.  Proof to me that there is an Angel watching over me.  I believe that. 

Betty Boop

SUNDAY MORNING

Finally above freezing.  We will appreciate it when still so many are digging out from snow and ice.  Yesterday Jan took me to the grocery store.  I had not been in so long and I needed a lot.  Felt good to eat out from here for a change.  I dreaded trying to start my car.  Afraid it was not ready for that much freezing degrees.  But thank you Lord, it cranked right up. 

Some people are sick around here with what I call the crud. It caught up with Amy too yesterday.  She sounded so congested.  It takes a lot to bring her to a halt.  I do hope she takes care.  I have three friends that I see regularly who are in with it.  I  hope I don't get sick.  I wont get to go to Church today.  I will miss it.  I will find something to do.  I have a poem running around in my head.  Must try to tame it and make it readable.  I think I can.  I just need to sit down and try. 

For days we have been host to many sea gulls.  They sat on parts of frozen spots in rows yesterday and the day before.  Could not hunt for fish.  I guess they decided to fly south because for the first time in many days I do not see a single one.  I must get my bird book out and read up.  Well see I am filling my day up.  I will go to eat in the dinning room and take a nap and read the Sunday paper.  I might have to cancel my subscription if they keep going up in price.  The main reason I take it is for the funnies.  Not a real reason.  I get the feature stories that I like.  So I will stay on board for now.  I do like the written word.

Betty Boop

STILL TOO COLD

o   I am told it is still cold.  I am sure that is so although I have not been out for a few days.  Must  go soon to the grocery store.  Maybe by Saturday Jan can take me.  If I were living in assisted living I would not have to provide some of these everyday things, like meals, paper goods and snacks, and coffee.  Sounds good sometime.  Not yet!!  But when it becomes necessary --Lord help me to accept it.  I hear of so many who balk at the loss of independence and I understand, but nobody wants that. 

I have what I call a free day.  No therapy.  Tomorrow again.  I went down and had my sausage and eggs over light, in the Cyber.  I passed up the table with three men I know to eat alone.  I was sure the conversation would not be to my liking.  I'll wait till Saturday and I know there will be females to change the line of topics.  Oh the joy of choosing.  It is a state that I have gotten used to and I have never had before.  Another "stage of life."  I must get back to writing.  I seem to be dry of subjects for poems.  I remember when I get like this, I usually am better at essays., but there again I need a subject that I want to share.  Sometime my thoughts are for me alone. 

I loved seeing Cary and her children.  They leave today.  I wish them a safe and good trip home.

Betty Boop 

GETTING THERE

They say on the weather forecast that we will reach 34 degrees today.  The sun is out.  Great.  I found a beautiful white blanket on the top shelf that I had not used in a while.  Washed it and slept so warm last night.  I do not like to be cold and it has been hard to get warm lately.  I did odds and ends yesterday.  Had New Years lunch with two good friends.  Betty of course and Pat McNair who I discovered .  She and her husband.(now deceased) were in the Good Sam Club years ago when we were members.  She is so cute and delightful.  Never know who will wind up here.  I got the tree undecorated and packed away and all the rest of my stuff is back in place.  Kind of feels good to unclutter.  Did my laundry and petted Bitsy a lot.  She seemed to be there every time I sat down.  I think it is the cold weather that does that.   Well therapy starts again today.  Been off a few days-it may be hard to get back.  Oh yes, something funny,  This little guy who walks the halls every day, I met him when I came out of the laundry.  He pulled up his pant leg and showed me his thermal underwear. and then his sleave to show me he was fully covered.  He also had on a flannel shirt and a jacket.  He was plenty warm I think.   STAY WARM.

Betty Boop

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It came in with me snuggled in bed and probably snoring.  Always does.  It was a joke that our New Year's celebration started at 6:30 and ended at 8 here at SCV.  I chickened out at the last minute and did not go.  No fun without a mate.  Did not want to sit with the sad widows and watch the few couples here dance or at least share a kiss.  Been there and done that.  Of course if Truman and I  made it to midnight still awake, it was in bed ready to sleep.  Those were sweet days and here only in memories.  Thank goodness for memories.  So here's to the New Year, may it be good for you and yours  Try to live it well and to it's fullest, and God bless.

Betty Boop