COOL ON BALCONY

 Yes it was cool out there.  Rain in the area area, will it reach us? .  Do not count on it.  A worker is watering plants on the deck and around the golf course.  He is not sure of rain either.  We appreciate water today.  A main water pipe was cut by workers on the new construction out here yesterday.  I was all soaped up in the shower when it went out all over the building.  It took till about 6 to get it all back on.  It made you really know how we take so much for granted.  Water is a blessing.  Many around this world do not have the blessing. 

Let's go to the Beach.  Who cares if it rains  down here.  It does not  bother us as we have plenty to do inside.  Eat, sleep, work puzzles, talk, and rest. Let's get on with it.

BettyBoop

HOT-HOT-HOT

I do not envy the people who have to work outside.  My, it is early in the summer to be so hot.  I remember when I was a little girl, the summers were hot.  I remember playing outside because it was cooler there under trees than in the house. Only fans to cool.  The sidewalks in front of the house felt cool and a good place to play with my dolls.  Yes, I loved my dolls. I remember them well.  I made clothes for the small ones from any old scrap of cloth or paper and pinned them on with straight pens. The tops of mama's old stockings made wonderful evening  dresses. Memories.!!       I sat on the balcony where there is shade from the tall pine trees. I did not stay long.  I saw the family of ducks swimming up stream very fast.  There were only three---yesterday there were four. Are they running (swimming)fast from that one?  I see a story in a lot of nature.  I am sure I am wrong mostly.  I also saw a runner, yes a runner.  I am sure it was a visitor.  You can spot a resident many ways.  First, no resident that I know of would be running.  Not in this weather, not ever really.  Second, this one was dressed the part.  And by the way. I am seeing a few females here wearing shorts!!  Wow.  I have come out with mine too.  Mine are very conservative.  So far the others are too.  But just you wait, some maverick  will break the unwritten dress code. With some way too short. That could be a sight you don't want to observe.

Well. am still on go.  I figured out why it takes me so long to get going in the morning.  Usually my blood pressure is low and also the blood sugar is too.  So it takes a good breakfast to get me going.  Not a bad thing altogether, since I like breakfast.  Can't wait for Ashley's biscuits.  Hope she plans to make some one morning.  And plenty of them to toast for the next day.  Please Ashley, you are one of my favorite cooks.  We have a bevy of them, we are so blessed.

Betty Boop

STILLTRYING

I am still on tap.  At least as far as I can tell.  I am learning to be that way. I stepped out on the Balcony and a very loud and bold bird sang to me.---"SENIOR SENIOR, SENIOR"..  Never heard that call from a bird before.  Now I know very well I am a Senior Citizen.  It comes home to me everyday.  Especially because I live where I do.  Although I still live in the Independent Living section, I am gradually loosing independence.  That bird did not need to announce it for all to hear.  He needs to change his tune.  Or was it a she? It was too warm to stay long as I am working toward Beach Week and I am slow.  I made a list of course. That is the first thing I always do when I travel.  Even short distance.  It helps a lot.  I am getting like a baby to take anywhere.  I need so much stuff to survive. 

Think I might get to see B & L today.  Hope they can come visit before we go to Beach.

Betty Boop

Another day

Yesterday was good and I got a lot done and enjoyed it.  I was encouraged.  Last night was not so good.  I was afraid my BP was going up when I tried to sleep.  I got up-took it and it was a little high,  I stayed up about an hour and took is off and on till it did go back within the target.  But it made me nervous and I slept fitfully. This morning it is still within normal range but..   I feel wiped out.  It makes me want to stay home.  I want to go but am afraid to go to the Beach. What is best for me is enough to drive my BP up.  What to do?  I have prayed and prayed for an answer.  But my mind just can't stay made up to go.What to do?

I guess I am not very cheerful this morning so I will bow out now and work on my attitude.

Betty Boop

MORNING HAS BROKEN

Slept good.  Hope for a good day.  It seems they come in two's. One bad one then a good one.  Oatmeal with blueberries were good.  On the Balcony with coffee.  I saw one duck, then another. a space behind one more, then a late comer dragging behind.  Wonder why?  Maybe he was late getting dressed for the day.  Anyway they were not waiting for him (her?) to catch up. I am seeing Egrets.  I think we have a couple of new one.  They are small. so must be new babies growing up. 

The Beach Week is getting close.  Help.  So much to do and think about.  Bitsy is a worry.  She seems to not feel good.  Scratching is back.  I hate to leave her. But she will be at the Vets and can be taken care of.  Must start to lay out clothes and make a to do list and one to not forget list.  I am just like a baby.  I need so many accessories.  Things I must have to exist.  Extra baggage.  Whatever you want to call all my stuff.  Whew!!! I am making myself tired and I have not even started.  Maybe that is one of my problems.  I think too much.  I wrote my friend, Betty, a poem.  She was delighted.  I felt good about it.  Such a small  thing.  She said it as her first poem written just for her.  Good friend she is! 

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

Feeling like going to Church,  Maybe I will skip the fun lunch with the family.  Can't seem to take in all the fun I used to.  Still sitting on the line of going to the Beach.  A big part of me wants desperately  to go, but since I have had so many set backs, I am still a little worried about it.  I know I will be in the willing hands of my family and since they will all be there--how can I be here? I ruined the Camping trip by illness, but Beach week is almost a must.

The sun is in and out.  Will it rain or not.  Only time will tell.  But isn't that the way everything is?  Patience. and trust and things will happen. 

Betty Boop

AN AFTER THOUGHT

This is an afterthought. Maybe a P.S.  Please read the  blog before this for today

 

Wash my hair

Wash my clothes

Wash my thoughts.

And make me whole.

 

Prayer for today. 

 

By Dot

PEEPING OUT

Peeping out from flying low.  Then there were the cover I was under.  Boy oh boy, I feel like Job in the Bible.  Read it sometime.  It seems God is testing me.  I never quite recover from one bump in the road till something else picks on me,  My patience and trust has really been tried lately.  I am afraid I don't measure up like I should.  Feeling better since I got that last meds out of my system.  Felt like breakfast and a time on the Balcony.  This morning I am sure my little flock were playing on the golf greens.  They were practicing flying.  They (about 4-5) at a time, looking for food, I think, around the edge in the rocks.  I imagine there are bugs there.  Now don't take this as all true because I love to make up stories about what I see A. gentle breeze held me there till I just knew my readers needed to hear the latest chapter in the BLUEBIRD SAGA. 

I need to do a load of clothes in the washer and also wash my hair.  So with sooooo   many task ahead, I need to get started.  Simple task, but big when you are trying to get your strength back.  After all Beach Week is just a week away.  Still hope I can make it.  God willing I am going to try.  Just worry about being such a bother to everyone.

Betty Boop 

BALCONY CUT SHORT

I cut the time short because I have an appointment to final get a hair cut.  Long overdue.  I stayed long enough to see the clouds are full and heavy with moisture and promise of rain somewhere.  Hope we get some as it is very dry.  I think the birds are busy learning to survive. Do you think mama and papa birds worry about their young or does nature take care of that?  I like to imagine they do feel responsibility.  But that is just me I guess.

Betty Boop 
P. S. When I type Betty Boop. I think of the little Betty Boop coffee mugs Peggy gave us.  It was a mug that split into two mugs.  Truman made tea for us sometime in the afternoon.  I wonder who would like that sweet little mug, so full of memories?

Betty Boop    

BALCONY SERANADE

I can't see very well but I am pretty sure I am watching baby blue birds zipping around the houses.  The were all either singing or fussing.  Don't know which. but what a noise.  Mom and Dad were joining in the racket too.  Learning to fly and to forge food for themselves.  It is a busy time.       It is a little muggy but a small breeze kept me there for a short time.  I need to keep moving.  Have a Dr's appointment early this afternoon.  Eye check up. Jan and Tommy arrived home safe.  Always glad for that.  Poor Amy was feeling bad yesterday.  Maybe something coming on.  I know she never rest and I add fuel to the race.  Hope she is better today. I had a comedy of errors making coffee this morning.  First I had to open a new can.  That went well since it is easy.  The filter folded over so grounds spilled where the should not.  The coffee half & half from the dinning room was bad so messed with my first cup.  Had to discard.  So I put a little more water in the pot.  It did not work the way I wanted it to. so I only had one cup. It was a little strong.  Guess I will make it, since I usually have two. Now if that is the only thing to go wrong--I will be lucky. As I always say "So be it."  I stole that little saying from a little man here that I sometime have an interesting conversation with in the hall.  So many interesting people here, you just have to take the time.  I have plenty of that--or do I?

Betty Boop

GOOD MORNING AGAIN

Glad to be back.  The Balcony was quiet.  No noise and no activity.  Only one man walking.  It would be a good day to walk.  Don't understand why more do not do it.  I know many do walk the halls.  Population is aging I guess.  There are many more walkers than when I first moved here.  No scooters then, rule against it.  But now there are quiet a few.  We may have to hire a traffic cop to regulate them.  My, my, things do change.

My day is slow today.  Good, maybe I can keep up.  Poor Amy was run ragged yesterday with all my things she did for me.  And she is working on a big job now and although it is great for her, it is still challenging. Jan and Tommy will be home today.  I really do depend on Jan and Amy a lot.  Did not want this to happen and I try to be as little trouble as possible, but alas, we don't always get what we wish for.  I have much trouble getting going in the morning.  Am too impatient !!! 

Betty Boop

BLUEBIRD ON MY SHOULDER

Here I go again with a song title.  That was a good movie for my kids a while ago.  But really I need to tell a little story about the Blue birds here.  There are two bluebird houses that I can see from my balcony.  I have been watching mamas and papas feed their young.  They work hard and morning till dark.  I noticed lack of activity yesterday.  I was sitting out there and a beautiful one sat very still and quiet right on the corner of my balcony. I was very still and was amazed at the up close beauty. It was young and not afraid. It finally flew and I realized it was learning to fly. I began to observe the nursery grounds around the houses.  I saw a lot of flitting and tweets in a small cedar tree near.  It was the babies out of the nest and happy to be trying their wings.  I read in my bird book that they had 4-6 eggs in each nest.  I think they had the limit.  Seems quiet this morning,  time and nature marches on.  How amazing and wonderful.

Amy and Ed came and installed my new DELL computer.  It must be great to know so much about computers.  I am still learning.   My new one is almost the same as the old one.  So I am good to go.  I really missed the short time I was without.  It is like talking to someone I guess.

Betty (glad to be back on line)  Boop 

Monday

I am back with new computer.  Thanks to everyone who made a new one possible.  See you later,

Betty Boop

GOOD BYE

Not to me.  Not yet.  Goodbye to this old lap top/  I bit the bullet and bought a new one.  This old thing has been fun, but it is getting old and out of date.  And away it goes.  Just like me--old and out of date, but you keep me anyway.  Amy is coming to take it away an Ed., bless him, is going to coach this one to give up it's info to a younger model.  Help!!  isn't  that what happens to some humans.?  Hope that does not touch us again.  Well, so long old model, you have taken my joyful thoughts as well as not so joyful.  Some funny and some very profound (I thought.) ones.  Hope my new model is not hard to get used to.  I have all the change I can stand.

Betty Boop

BEAUTIFUL VIEW

I am always looking for adjectives to describe my view from the Balcony.  If some of my Bloggs were not depressing, we could go through them and make a book about the Balcony.  It means a lot to me to go out and just sit and absorb the beauty.  Even though not much changes, there is always something of interest to see.  This morning I turned to the heavens to search for the right cloud.  You see, I look for a small whit cloud with a peep hole of blue.  Sometime the  hole is bigger than other times.  I imagine Truman is peeking at me.  I have had this feeling since I came here.  After he died, I would search the clouds and pretend he was looking at me.  Just a part of my grieving process I think.  Now it is just a comfort to realize he is looking.  (I hope),  I guess everyone has their own way of finding their way. 

We are having a big Resident's Craft Show today along with a farmer's market with fresh produce for sale.  Sounds nice.  I may swing by and take a look.  Don't need anymore crafts, but it is fun to see what others are doing behind "closed " doors. 

Betty Boop
  

ANOTHER GOOD DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

I am always stealing quotes, titles, sayings from others.  I think Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood came after my children were small, but maybe my grandchildren watched his show.  Maybe I am way off, but what else is new?  I liked his simple way of explaining things and simple way of life.  Remember how he changed his shoes and put on a sweater?  And played with the train and had quirky friends?  Silly I know, but have you looked at the kid programs now?  Some are good, but some are not.  Oh well. I start off preaching.  "Pardon me boys'"  Another line from a song.

I guess I am feeling kind of silly this morning.  I had a big bowl of old fashioned cooked oatmeal.  Made by me.  It was topped off with a handful of blueberries {from Jan and Tommy.) I am set to go this morning.  I am sharing some with my friends and freezing some for later.  Bitsy was up before me and was ready for her breakfast.  I ran late because I need new batteries for my BP machine.  I wiggled them around and finally got it to read.  I must bother someone to bring me some new batteries.     Tommy came yesterday and we went to History Club.  Mark Twain was the subject.  My he was a fascinating man.  Much more to learn next meeting.  George K. (who does the program) was very excited about him.  I like to see George get excited.  He must have been a good teacher.

Betty (trying to learn something new) Boop  

MY FRIEND BITSY

I guess I have always wanted a cat like Bitsy.  I also had a buried wish to have a cat to sleep with me.  I never thought that would happen.  I used all sorts of excuses not to let her or any other cat sleep in my bed.  But alas excuses fade and wishes prevail.  I love her sleeping with me.  I know she is watching me.  Kind of like God sent a little angel kitty to watch over me.  She watches my every move as I go about the routine of going to bed at night.  And about a minute after I lay down and settle for sleep. she hops up ever so softly and curls us close( but not to close) and off we go to dreamland.  I guess she gets up during the night, but she never disturbs me.  Next morning she gets up before me and takes watch on the floor by my bed.  The minute I open my eyes, we say good morning to each other.  Up I get to start the day.  Blood pressure and blood sugar check first.  She sits patiently till I finish, because she knows her breakfast comes next.  I could take lessons from her in patience.  She has been a blessing through all this stuff I am going through. 

My numbers have been good the last few days.  Now I am waiting (patiently) to have my feelings to match.

Oh, yes, the Balcony was nice this morning.

Betty Boop

SATURDAY

Wish I felt up to going and join my Accidental Breakfast Club.  Maybe next Saturday.  When I look back a few days and weeks, I know I have made a lot of progress.  Who would have guessed a few days of hospital and a spike in blood pressure would have taken such a toll.  I  have had many serious surgeries but I am surprised at this little bump in the road as I have called it.  Pretty big bump I guess.  It really messed with my balance.  Maybe it is being 91 (and a half) as I have been saying.  It has taken a lot of patience and yes courage.  I have enjoyed being able to go to lunch with "the girls." here.  I know who are my real friends.  Everyone has been nice and we all understand  our plight.  Most have been there in some form or other. 

Little warm on the Balcony but so peaceful.  As Amy said a "little bit of heaven:  out there.  I am reading an interesting book. About the realization and discovery of a young woman's family history and stories,  Mainly the women in her background.  How interesting their stories are.  She is discovering her place in the line of her family. 

Jan is coming.  We will delve into my hospital bill and stay.  Looks better than I was expecting.  I have good insurance.  We will eat lunch and visit.  She is such a busy girl.  More so since she retired.  Most people find that out.  I am glad she can enjoy and they planned well.  That is the key. 

Betty Boop

Psalms 127 :3

If you do not have a Bible handy--"Children are a gift from the Lord. they are a real blessing."  no truer words have been written, to. me. than these.  I love them all.  My girls, their husbands, my grandchildren, great grandchildren and their spouses.  They are all a blessing from the Lord.  I read this and must have liked it because it was highlighted in my Bible.  Can't remember doing that, but I did.  My Bible is well marked.  I find a lot of good advice there and underline when it seems to speak to me.  I feel so humble since this latest little bump in the road.  So many people have helped me. 

I sat in the Bubble while Barbara cleaned my apartment.  What a relief to have her clean.  She is such a good person.  Everyone loves her. I do too.  I am having lunch with Betty(my good friend.)  She called and said lets do catfish today.  I will have baked and she might have fried.  Both are pretty good, most of the time.  Just like when I cooked at home.  Some days the food is better than others.  So Be It.  My motto.

BettyBoop

BALCONY

I hope you do not get tired of my Balcony.  I don't.  It is my window to the outside world.  I feel like I am on the inside looking out.  Although I am doing a lot for myself, I still have to depend on my daughters too much.  Don't expect to drive again and that hurts.  But so be it.  I will adjust.  Hope patience will not run out.  Oh back to the Balcony.  It was pleasant there this morning.  I woke up at 6 and got a head start.  The men were at work already on the Meadow where they have been moving "good soil" and using it somewhere else.  Don't know where or why.  I often think that God looks down and smiles at man always moving  the earth around to suit himself.  Silly thought-I am known for "silly."  I also watched Mr. & Mrs. bluebird feeding those hungry children of theirs.  It is like humans,  raising a family.  Always busy.  I wonder how many little blue birds are there?  I will have to get out my bird book. 

Hope for another good day.  I have been fortunate to have a few in a row.  Guess things are looking up(as far as I can see.)

Betty(looking up) Boop

SURPRISE

Even the weather man said the rain would stay south, but I woke to a gentle rain and it was so nice on the Balcony with the soft rain cooling it off.  It has stopped but I enjoyed it.  Slept good and my numbers of BP and BS are holding steady.  I am being very careful to do what I know to keep it that way.  But I know from experience that you can't predict what will happen.  Whatever, I am feeling better.  Still a little slow and wobbly without that great little buggy I have.  I can sit down if I want.  Just remember to put the break on!!. 

I am going to lunch with my friends Betty and Sue.  We will pick up a 4th at the table.  Sounds like bridge?  Far from it.  I have no desire to play that game--or any other game.  Never have I liked games.  I guess that formed when I was in school.  I never felt "big" enough, always being the smallest of everyone and I just did not try.  So that spilled over into board games and cards.  I was convinced that I was not very smart because I was little.  Crazy, but we did not consult help to figure out kids in my early days.  So be it.  I turned out O. K. I guess.

Betty Boop

BALCONY

Are you tired of my balcony?  I am not.  It was so nice at 7:30.  Yes I slept late.  I did sleep well.  So glad.  I am doing as told -- rest and do not worry.  I think that is one of my problems.  Those two things don't come easy to me.  But I need a new life style.  I have prided myself on all the things I am involved in and it is just too much.  Although I do enjoy my many activities.  I thought it was keeping me going.  But I plan to pick and choose more carefully and not worry about it. 


Nothing of special interest from my view on the balcony.  Flowers are doing good.  I love my flower garden.  I guess I should plant tomatoes or okra.  A beautiful stalk of okra would be good and pretty too.  St Catherine cooks don't know how to cook it.  I think their  okra is too mature.  You need small okra.  I seem to think about my food a lot.  I guess we all do.  I am looking forward to Sliver Queen corn at the beach.

Betty Boop

Sunday

So here we go.  Another week.  People are getting excited about BEACH WEEK.  Jan has the ball  rolling and is getting positive feedback.  She deserves our thanks.  We all do our part, but someone has to get it going.  Great organizer.  I am toying with the idea of braving the beach trip.  I know I would be a hand full.  I seem to need so much help, which I hate.  But things are that way now.  I am grateful for acceptance.  We will see.

I had Sunday lunch in the dinning room.  It was good and although the service was slow due to a big crowd, I got tired.  I am not up to par yet.  I am truly trying.  This resting is getting "old."  I guess that is a good sign.  Well, I must get some clothes out of the dryer.  It felt wrong to wash on Sunday.  The ox was in the ditch,, so to speak. 
Betty Boop

MOCKING BIRD

It was a mocking bird, I think , I heard this morning.  They have so many songs.  It was him (her) that I listened to this morning.  Either it or there are many birds out there that I can't see.  Little warm at 7:30 , so I did not tarry there long.  Time does go fast it seems.  I had lunch in the dinning room yesterday for the first time in a long time.  Funny how I feel.  It is sort of like starting over.  Everyone was so sweet and welcomed me back into the "fold."  I got a wee bit tired--but a good tired.  I am trying to read a book.  Amish, sweet and tragic too.  The Amish have such a strong faith.  I admire them.  The stories are next to real.  Amazing.  My eyes are affected by this "little episode" I think.  Can't see as well.  I am going to eye Dr. soon.  Will tell him.  Haven't had a change in a while.  Maybe I have had a change. 

You wont feel sorry for me when I tell you what I fixed myself for breakfast.  Jan brought me a beautiful tomato.  It taste as near to right as I have had this season.  I had o.j. scrambled egg. sausage links(turkey), toasted biscuit (I know, not good for me) a slice of that tomato, and of course coffee.  Nothing wrong with  apatite .  I am pretty full.  But happy.

Betty Boop

HOT HOT HOT

Crazy computer.  Like me. it is getting old.   spend most of my computer time getting on line.  Sloooooow.  I opted to stay indoors this morning. I slept till 7 and it was getting warm by then.  I fix my breakfast and that takes time too.  So I am inside looking at the balcony.  Things are smoother somewhat.  I am afraid to say that.  Because I know how fragile this blood pressure thing is.  I walked (strolled) down to post office yesterday.  I am getting used  to the stigma of being fragile.  I was afraid of what people thought.  I feel better as everyone understands that it is the norm here for things to start downhill.  I was lucky for so long and then I fall apart.  I do feel stronger each day and an still amazed at what this has taken out of me.  Did not expect it. Another experience along the way. 

Please excuse me, I will get back to talking about something else when something else happens.  How about that?

Betty Boop