HEY IS THAT THE SUN?

I do believe it is the sun.  So bright and welcomed.  People in the hall seem more friendly when it shines.  Of course the weather people don't promise it will last, but we will take it when we can.  I had a most busy day yesterday.  Exercise class first and coffee, Belhaven Concert. lunch with Betty, nap and then Methodist church service.  All together for me it made for a busy day.  Had some of my home made split- pea soup for supper.  I can't find many people who like split-pea soup.  One of my favorites. I slept pretty good but boy did I have a crazy dream.  I have had similar dreams before, where I am lost in a big building full of rooms.  I am trying franticly to get out.  Someone or something is chasing me and I  am losing the game.  Amy what does that one mean?  You are an expert on dreams. 

Everyone dreams and sometime we remember  them and sometime not, but I don't like those kind.  I guess I was overtired and my brain was over stimulated.  Poor old brain.  But it is a remarkable part of a person.  Glad mine still works.

Betty Boop
Watching the Good Dr does not help just before bedtime either !!

DREARY DAY

That is just the weather. The day has been very good.  Always glad to go to Church on Sunday.  Even if it were not made into my being, I love to go.  Afterward always  some of my favorite people (family) have lunch and a good visit.  Today it was
Sophia, Paul, M. G. and Ryan, Amy and me.  We had lunch at what is getting to be on the favorite list.  Char"s.  They cook the best fried chicken.  Just like home cooked.  Paul ordered this most delightful dessert and a spoon for all to share.  One bite was enough!!My it was good.  I got caught up on all the latest news and events they go to.  Makes my head swim.  I seem to have forgotten how it used to be with Truman and myself.  Yet I don't believe we did as much.  I am so proud of the 4 of them.  They plan and make things happen.  I came home with a bunch of beautiful flowers from the Church.  I hope to cheer a few people here with them.  I tried to nap but sleep would not come. my mind would not cooperate and go to sleep.  Maybe tonight I will sleep.  It was so cold in Church and then to get out in the cold rain to and from. I was very uncomfortable, so I put on old pants and a sweater to get warm.  Well let us read the paper.  The funnies always cheer me up.

Betty Boop

ACC'IDENTAL BREAKFAST GROUP

Only four this morning.  Remember the kids book about the little monkeys  jumping on the bed and they fell off one by one?  Our main leader of our group is ill.  Making test, results so far are not looking good.  I know of several who are in the same boat.  But after all, I live where all these things happen every day.  Upsetting sometime. 

I had one pancake, scrambled egg and coffee.  The pancake was as big as my head!!!.  Of course I left most of it.  Waste!!  But I just should not eat that much, although it was good.    Topics:  Maple syrup.  One guy orders special maple syrup and brags about it.  He should bring some for us to sample.  The Olympics were discussed.  Sisters and how they get along, those who are ill, and other unimportant things.  The Café filled up with residents and guest so we brought it to a close.  Now I must shampoo and wash clothes and do without Jan.  She is having a good time with grand kids.  Lucky her.

Betty Boop

Betty Boop

70 degrees on balcony

It is nice to drink coffee on the balcony before everything of the day starts.  Of course the couple who walks every morning were out.  I am glad they have each other to walk every morning.  They are in their late 70's I think.  That makes a difference sometime.  My, the birds had a symphony going this morning.  Such a joyful sound.  That reminds me of the performance of the Junior League group who are going to sing this afternoon.  THE JOYFUL NOISE.  They are an outstanding group and put on a great singing program.

Amy and I went to the grocery store yesterday morning.  Well, Wal-Mart.  It is different in some ways.  I think they are not keeping it well stocked any more.  I had to buy a clock for my bedside.  Mine just gave up from old age.  Found a nice small one that was just a clock.  Just what I need in the bedroom.  We grabbed a famous Chick-Filet.  Wonderful.  We then went to Church to the mid- week Lent service.  Not well attended, but it is hard for many to come that time of day.  We both got a lot from it.  I was very, very tired when we got home.  I don't understand this fatigue I am having.  Maybe the meds I am taking, but I am struggling to do what I want to do.  Anyway, I forge on.

Betty Boop 

BALCONY ONCE MORE

 Don't know how long it will last, but I will take it----Morning coffee on the balcony.  It is 70 degrees.  My, my, how nice it was to sip and think, and look.  Birds back on the cross on the Chapel steeple.  Not a big thing but I like it.  Meadow turning green in spots.  The birds are singing. I did not see any people which I was surprised, because it is good weather to walk.  Any way I enjoyed it.  I actually got a firm  idea for a poem.  Inspired of all thing my rye toast at breakfast.  I think I can make it fun.  Hey I will take any idea, since I have been dry of late.  Lunch was fun yesterday.  We talked about so many things.  Betty shared her first experience seeing a streaker.  Do you remember that outrageous time when men would streak across a public gathering naked?  It was funny and silly.  Anyway I never actually saw one but saw it on TV.  Can't tell you what Betty said.  That was just one subject we laughed through.  You see where I am going.  Good to laugh and we did.

Betty Boop

NOT EXACTLY A GOOD START

I had a hard time getting started.  Decided to go eat at the Cyber.  Got roped into sitting with two men.  I am uncomfortable doing that.  Even though they are friends and gentlemen.  I spilled my coffee as I was leaving.  Just a small amount but enough to make a mess.  I was embarrassed.  I don't know what it is about the number 7 but it keeps coming to my mind.  Truman as been gone 7 years and I keep thinking about it.  I took a fresh cup of coffee and did what I did so many times right after he died and went down to the Lake pier and sat under the canopy and reminisced.  I did that a lot right after he died.  It was a little cool but not bad.  I tried to get it together.  It is still hard if I let it be.  I let it be this morning.    Well nothing about reality to sober you up.  I need to wash clothes.  Something soothing and right about that little act.  So be it.  I am trying to write again.  Been silent for two or three moths.  It bothers me that I can't seem to get that going. Will keep trying.
Betty Boop

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Strange weekend.  Amy and Ed on a 35th anniversary trip and Joe and Linda came Saturday  to pick up a bed Jan gave them.  So I skipped the usual breakfast to be ready for them.  Linda and Jan had lunch with me while Joseph picked up the U-Haul he rented.  They were going back Sunday so I did not see them anymore.  Jan is leaving for Ft. Wayne to visit her sweet grand-kids and David and Cary also for 10 days of fun for her.  I will miss her, but Amy will be back to pick up the torch for me (of?) me.  Whatever.  My weekend was lonely and very quiet.  I think if the sun would shine for a full day, I would have a better outlook.  Meanwhile, I feel down.  I must have a talk with myself.

I got out my Easter décor and went to work.  Now that is better.

Betty Boop

FALSE SPRING

It happens every year.  It feels like spring with 80's yesterday.  But we know not to get to excited.  But birds are singing and that is a good sign.  I am reading a good book.  CAROLINE by Sarah Miller. She writes historical novels. This about how the Ingalls family left Wisconsin and traveled to Kansas.  My those pioneer women were strong.  Such a good book I can't put it down.  I like historical novels. 

My strawberries on oatmeal was good.  Cooked by me.  With rye toast and juice and coffee hit the spot.  I made banana nut bread to take to the exercise class.  They make me feel so good about bringing it.  Just a small task and we all win. 

Betty Boop

OH ! "What a beautiful morning----

Oh ! what a beautiful day."  There goes another song title.  I started off with breakfast in the Cyber.  Had it to myself.  O. K.  Scrambled eggs and sausage with rye toast and coffee.  So good.  Came up and the sun was shinning so warm that I went to the balcony to finish my coffee.  The birds were singing and I was taken back to south Texas when we used to spend most of January and February with loads of friends.  The weather there was perfect that time of the year.  Yesterday was special.  I saw Dr. Ford.  I have known him for so long.  He came in saying Mrs Ellis 91?  I don't believe it.  Bring your birth certificate next time.  I might do that.  He said I was like a dike and he was the little Dutch Boy, just patching up the cracks and to keep doing what I was doing and see him in 6 months .  After that we ate at Kiefers.  You know what we had.  Then on to Broadmeadow to Ash Wednesday Service.  So good and got my ashes on my forehead in the shape of a cross.  You know the service I am sure.  Start  of Lent--what will you give up?  I gave up the tendency to worry too much.  I will see how long I can do that.  Mardi  Gras lunch was fabulous .  From bloody Mary's to bananas foster.  They did a good job.  Now I have a slow day and I welcome it,

Betty Boop

Sunday & Monday

With the weekend filled with music, I am happy.  At church, an annual tradition, The Southern Comfort Band.  A group of 5 black guys  who play for pleasure and a little profit too.  They of course have other jobs,, but music is fun and important to them.  They have been at our church several times over the years.  They march in playing and go out playing.  It is exciting and a blessing too.  Lunch was good with the usual bunch.      Today we started the day with Madison Central Jazz Band.  Bryan was a member and star in his day.  They are a wonderful group of kids from Madison Central.  Actually their leader is the same leader of the band that played at our Church yesterday.  Our choir director at church is the band director of the band at Madison Central.  He came to the  program today with the band. Kind of all connected.  I just got back from my SCV choir practice.  So music is in the air and in my mind today. I go to the Church service at 4 today and sing again.  So that is my day.  A good one.

Betty Boop

SPLIT PEA SOUP

It was a soup kind of day yesterday.  I made the split-pea soup.  I did not like that kind till I was older.  Only kind mama made was veg.  My pea soup turned out good.  Had my cornbread and a bowl for supper.  Some for the freezer too.  We will have The Southern Komfort Brass band at church this morning.  For Mardi Gras and King Cake also.  I have decorations out at my door.  Got to go with the flow I guess.

Betty Boop

ACCIDENTAL BREAKFAST GROUP

Only four this morning.  The main one was sick and one at the table excused herself not feeling well.  I hope that I was not exposed to something.  Some blamed it on the shrimp we had at lunch yesterday.  I had it and I am fine,(for now)  The main topic of discussion was about gadgets we collect to do difficult jobs.  For instance something to open jars and lids of medicine bottles.  I have a collection of gadgets to open lids.  Some work and some don't.  Ended up with one saying he had a perfect one and he would do a little research to see if Wal-Mart carries it.  If not he got his on Amazon.  Later on this.  I asked if any one watched the opening of the Winter Olympics.  Nobody was very interested.  It was different from some in the past.  So many people took part.  I liked seeing it. 

Jan came yesterday and went with me to grocery store.  I am still surprised at how much I have to buy.  Maybe it would be easier to move to assisted living?  No I still relish the ease of independent living.  Even though I depend on Jan and Amy more and more to help me.  Some people don't have the blessings of sweet daughters and son-in-laws to make you feel secure.  Jan is assisting in baby shower for a friend today, so she can't come today.  It is raining and I had just as soon stay indoors. 

I will make split pea soup in a little while.  I do love it. Also I have the things to make Navy Bean too.  Another one I like,  So I will call when soup's on !!!!!!And don't forget cornbread.  I made that a few days ago and it is in the freezer waiting for soup.

Betty Boop

SKY SHOW

If you happened to look toward the Eastern sky around 7 this morning, you saw quite a show.  Wish I knew the story. but from time to time some guy puts on a show.  This morning I saw a giant X and then he seemed to be trying to make a tic-tac-toe game.  It was special this morning.  Now the sun is so bright and I am sure he is ready for coffee.  Wonder which airport he flies from.  Funny I have never seen or heard anything about the sky writer.  Makes  me wonder---is it just me that sees it?  Could be Truman putting on a show for me.  With my imagination, maybe that is true?

Betty Boop

GREAT BREAKFAST

When I entered the Cyber for breakfast, the usual table was full of men.  Did not want to join that group.  They would talk about everything I did not want to hear.  Politics mostly.  That is fine, they seem to enjoy that subject,  I did not want to inhibit them, so I got a small table and faced the lake.  I had a rare biscuit, split and toasted with two eggs cooked by Breanne (she does them well), sausage and coffee.  Not exactly cholesterol friendly, but once in a while-- do I worry about that? 

Bitsy is doing well.  Eating and running, and sleeping.  What else is required of a cat?  They have it made.  Of course she gives me all her love too.

Not much on tap today.  I took back 3 books to the Library.  Just did not appeal to me.  I am about to get enough of Amish.  I can predict how they are ending every time.  I checked out a mystery but they kept introduction new suspects and I lost it.  Don't need that much stimulation.  So I picked up two different kinds and let me see if they  please me.  Will let you know if I stick with them. 

Betty Boop 

SPECIAL CARE

Yes, that is what Bitsy is getting.  She, as usual, made a hit with her Dr.  I was very impressed with her too.  There are so few Dr's of her kind who deal with special problems dogs and cats have and she  really knows her craft.  So very thorough and patient.  Bitsy took over the place and they said even when they took blood and her sitting next to a noisy dog, she was brave and cooperative.  That's my Bitsy.  It was blood to test for allergies.  Takes two to three weeks for results.  Meantime she got an antibiotic shot and a new pill added to the one she now takes.  She is a real trouper.  I was proud of her.  Between her meds each morning and mine, I feel like a professional.  We do what we have to do.  Bitsy may be on meds for the rest of her life.  She is such a young cat and may have a long life ahead.  Longer than me, I bet.  Who will take care of her if I can't? 

Amy and I spent all morning there and we were hungry when we left.  With a sleepy can on board, we had to get home.  Stopped at Arby"s and brought home sandwiches and had lunch here.  My it was good.  I love their sauce. Not to mention their "curly" fries .  We recalled how we used to go to the North Park Mall with Sophia in tow in the stroller   She loved that place and the curly fries.  So that is were we are now.

Betty Boop 

RAINY SUNDAY(not Monday)

I always equate things to songs.  I had a cute little beige colored radio as a teen ager.  It was rounded like a lot of furniture was then.  I am sure Amy could put a name on it.  Anyway, I loved it.  I listened to it a lot.  Could not carry it around like kids do today.  But I managed to listen a lot.  Should have been studying my school books.  But I still remember  the lyrics to many, many of the hits of the day. Back when music and words made sense to me.  I had a good rest of the day Saturday with Jan.  We had what Amy calls little pockets of adventure., or something like that.  Nothing very exciting to most people, but to me was fun.  We spent about an hour in THE DOLLAR TREE.  I had missed going there for some time.  I feel so rich coming out with a big bag of loot for only a small amount of money.  I walked the store over from front to back.  It was busy and the shelves was well stocked.  Jan came out with books and puzzles and other things too.  I did my share.  We enjoyed it. Came back here and ate lunch.  So much fun.     Well I must get myself together.  After Church we are having SOUPER BOWL LUNCH.  All kinds of homemade soup.  I remember one made by a member who moved--Cauliflower --It  was outstanding.

Betty Boop 

THE ACCIDENTAL COFFEE GROUP

I really do enjoy this Saturday breakfast group,  It is a mix of different personalities.  So interesting how the subjects vary.  This morning over the best ham and scrambled eggs, we talked of the Super Bowl and the pot luck food to watch the game on a big screen here.  All were going to watch at their apartment.  Me too.  At least the commercials interest me.  Next came the discussion of the next History club as the leader was at breakfast.  I may have to miss it due to Bitsy's appointment with a  special Dr. to find out why she has these bad itching fits.  Can't find out what causes it.  I am hoping to fit it in so I can go to the history club.  It sounds interesting.  Then we had a discussion about the bacon and cheese at the old grocery store in Philadelphia.  Been there for about 100 years one said.  I think that is right.  Then on to honey and its merits.  Where to buy and for what reasons.  So you see why I enjoy it.  Three men and three ladies were there.  Good mix.  Good start--the sun is shining for now.

Betty Boop

DAY AFTER

That Betty Boop just wont stop talking about her birthday.  She is still basking in the sunlight of being "on stage".  Time to take a bow , Betty.  O. K. but the fun goes on.  I had a "pig in the hole." for breakfast.  I think you all know that is an egg cooked in a hole of toast.  Good way to get a reluctant child to eat breakfast.  I am not reluctant, but it sure was good.  No trouble, just sounds like you fussed over it.  I am always glad to see my maid come and clean and today was her day.  She came and cleaned while I went to my last therapy session.  It is up to me now to keep the exercises going and to maintain my range of motion-pain free and to hold my own.  I am dedicated to that goal.  My therapist was pleased with the progress I made and wants  me to come by and visit and catch up on my continued progress. I then went to lunch with friends and had a good time.  Friday is catfish day and I had mine baked.  It was so good.  Now I just got up from a nap with Bitsy and am set for the rest of the day==whatever it brings.

Betty Boop

JANUARY 31, 1927

On that day my Dad got him a girl and wanted a boy.  Oh well. all men want  a boy.  He had to wait 12 years before he got one, but he finally did.  I am a glad I am a girl.  I don't think I would have been a good boy.  Just look how small I am!!!  I would have been called pee-wee for sure.  I had a most wonderful day.  Cards and kind words and little happies flooded my soul.  I got so much love here at St. Catherine's that I could not believe it.  That was just a start.  Jan and  Amy took me to lunch at Amerigo's The sweet girl who waited on us made my day when she guessed I was 58.  It is down right embarrassing the way I have enjoyed fooling people who have been asked to guess my age.  Jan, Amy and Linda gave me a new phone.  I can text now.  Well after much trial and error.  It is getting
to be fun. Such a thoughtful gift..  I appreciate it.   While we were eating, I got texts  from all son-in-laws.  Most grandchildren and great grands too. Even a video from Cary's children. And my niece Karen and I hope I have not left out anyone.  I have been celebrated till I have a "big head."  Another old saying.  Now the spot light fades and Betty Boop takes a bow and with a Boop-op-e-doop she leaves the stage with a twist of her hips and a wink of her eye.  See her next year!!

Betty Boop