COFFEE

As I drank my coffee on the balcony. A memory came to me.  Coffee drinking was a big deal apparently when I was little--still is.  People thought it funny to tease kids about getting "big"enough to drink it.  Like it was a passage to being grown up.  Some would even put it in kids milk to get them to taste it. I had an uncle, ( maybe it was my grandfather) can't remember which one, who was especially a big tease.  He would tell kids that if kids drank coffee before  they were old enough-it would turn them black.  No other explaining--just it would turn you black.  My mother would tell me not to pay any attention to what he said, but for years I was afraid to drink it,,  Not anymore.

Betty Boop

NO BLOG YESTERDAY

I woke too late to write yesterday morning.  I needed the time to get ready for Church.  I was glad to get to go.  We had lunch at M.G. and Ryan's house.  They are building a large beautiful deck under a nice big tree, connected to the house + a "HOT TUB'"  Wow, what will they think of next?  They keep something of interest going all the time. They also have a nice trip planned  I say more power to them.  I am glad my grandchildren have the travel bug.  We heard all about Sophie and Paul's next one too.  Bryan and Ashley are off to Italy next and then the move to Indiana University.   Such a lot going on and a new baby girl is on the way for Cary and David.  Ivy and Tripp moved to new job.  It is a lot to keep up with.  Bless them all.

Today Marshall Ramsey is coming to speak.  Everybody is excited.  Me too.  I sure do hope to go.       I spent a short time on the Balcony.  It was pleasant and I enjoyed it. 

Betty Boop  

ANOTHER SATURDAY

I fully intended to go to breakfast with the group that I like so much.   They all have said they miss me.  I woke at 7 and too late to get moving down there by 7:30.  Missed it again.  I just seem to need more sleep lately.  I am worried about that.  I even go to bed sometime by 9:30 and sleep well, but here I am getting old and needy of sleep.  I even take a nap and sometime that gets extended from one half hour to one hour.  Going backward . Coffee on Balcony is still pleasant early.  It was so still and quiet. 

Amy came yesterday and filled my grocery list I gave her.  My, she is a "gem."  She gets so many things done.  Working on a big project and keeping up with her Church work and family and friends is a full time job.  And Ed retired and needs her attention too. Bless her Lord and give her strength too. 

Poem is stuck and wont move on.  Too much else on my mind I guess.  Maybe a shampoo and doing my laundry will help my mood.  Or maybe --"Better tomorrow."

Betty Boop

LOOK AROUND

I  was sitting in  the Bubble the other day and it was so pretty.  The Meadow across the lake had been just mowed,  That is a BIG job, but made doable by the big machine they have.  It looked so green from the rain and I love to look at it.  Hope I never see the day when someone decides to build it out.  It has been mentioned before.  The thought came to me.  "Little Dot, just look where you are."  Now I have thought, like many others, how blessed I am to be living here.  Never would I had thought a little girl, born in 1927, in an old house on South Congress street (not there anymore) would end up here.  It was not a new thought to be sure, but somehow it came to me strong and clear.  The Lord is good to me.  Look around and count your blessings, I thought.  So I did.  I have to daily remind myself of how much I am blessed.

End of Sermon again!!!
Betty Boop

NOTHER MESS UP

SCROLL WAY WAY DOWN

MORE DOG DAYS

Even the birds seem to be observing the"dog days" So quiet--not a peep.  I saw three Nuns walking.  Two of them were visitors I think.  Sister  (can't remember her name) seemed to be leading them and showing them around the Lake.  Mass is at 9 and I guess they were getting a walk in after breakfast and before Mass.  You can't tell them from anyone else.  I bet they are glad to wear normal clothes, especially during this hot weather. All the ones I have met are very special people.  They work hard.

You know what I miss about being so confined?  SHOPPING  I miss Dillards and I am sure they miss me or go bankrupt!  Almost everything in my closet is from there.  Of course the grocery store comes in second. Oh well, So Be It.  I always say.  Different stage.  It is funny how the older you get the more you notice changing phases.  Seems I am finding out how many Dr's I can get to know. I slept 9 hours last night.  I guess  I needed it, something else I always say.  Be back when I have something new to say.

Betty Boop    

SOFT FOOD

I need to eat soft food while my gums heal.  Challenge?  Not to me. Jan had just brought me fresh veggies from the place on Old Canton Road that we all love.  I had to put the corn-on-cob in the freezer and wait on the tomato because it is spicy, but I cooked the okra, and squash and onion till it was soft.  She also brought lady peas cooked.  I mash it all with some cornbread I made.  Chopped up beets and made it all so I could eat it.  What a feast. You know when I was growing up, my poor Mother had a time with me.  I was what they call a "picky eater."  I could not imagine how I would this day love boiled okra.  But it went down without chewing. I Thank you Jan.  And bless  my mother too.  It has not been too hard to eat soft food.  Where there is a will--there is a way.  I also saw on the list food  of suggestion to eat-- Milk Toast.  How old fashioned is that?  No cook book I have had how to make it.  Since I am good at making the forbidden   food to my liking, I set out to make milk toast.  I toasted whole wheat bread crisp. Buttered it will cinnamon butter.  Heated milk and a drop of vanilla flavoring .  Poured it over toast. and let it soak up the milk till it was soft.  It was good!!.  Next time I make it I will sprinkle it with sub. sugar.!!  (just to guild the lily)

So cool in the Balcony and very quiet too. 

Betty Boop  

COOL & BREEZY

I could not believe how cool it was on the Balcony.  I was reluctant to come in. I saw a man fishing and it is early.  Was he fishing for breakfast.  No, because I saw him catch one.  It looked like a nice size from the other side of the Lake.  He is fishing for fun because he threw it back and went on fishing.  I saw 15 ducks swimming fast up the Lake.  Now I like thing to come out even.  Where was the 16th one?  Late again.  Later I did see a lone duck swimming across the Lake, just lolling around.  Was he lost?  Don't know.  He was still there when I came in.  The birds are at the other end of the Lake. can't hear them well.  A small plane flew over.  I am sure that was fun for the pilot.  I guess that covers the Balcony for this morning.

The dental procedure went well.  I've had no pain.  I slept well and am only having trouble eating soft food and liquids.  But that too will pass.  Will know the results in two weeks.  I am thankful I did so well.

Betty Boop

CLOUDS

I like to look at the clouds.  This morning they were unusual at 7:30.  I was a little unsettled about the biopsy on my gums.  I thought the Lord set the clouds just for me.  Many, many little puffs that covered the sky.  They looked like cotton balls that had exploded and covered the sky.  How pretty. I prayed for my faith to be stronger and I do feel better.  What will be-- will be and he will take care of me. Will tell you about it later.  Of course the Dr.  can't tell anything till the results are in.

Betty Boop

Scroll Down

I messed up.  Scroll down to second Blog  My My !!!!

BALCONY AGAIN

I bet you think the balcony is my life.  Well it is a big part, but not all.  Jan came yesterday and we did a little business.  She also brought me groceries.  It has dawned on me (not really just now) that I have gradually been relying on Amy and Jan for so much support.  True at

























I bet you think the Balcony is were I stay a lot.  Yes I do, but I do have life after it.  I admit that lately it is in Doctor offices or hospital and that I could write about that.  But a little of that goes a long way.  The Halls are a good subject sometime.  I saw a lady yesterday who said that she and I are the oldest out here.  I think I know what she meant.  But she is not exactly right.  She told me how young I look for my age and what pretty skin I have.  Not wrinkled!  Oh well .I also met a friend who has a new rollator,  up to date white one.  My it looked pretty among all the black ones.  Wish mine was as pretty.  My poem will not come together.  I should not worry because it is always this way.  Thoughts race around and around my brain and then all of the sudden they come together.  Must wait and be patient.  Not my best thing to wait.  I have to remind myself the "Be still and wait."

Jan came yesterday and brought groceries and we did a little business and had lunch in the Cyber.  I realized how Jan and Amy save me from going to assisted living.  They do so much for me that I can't do anymore.  It really has slipped up on me although it has been happening slowly but surely.  It happens this way and sometime sudden.  I have seen a lot.  It can be a little depressing when you know you are not in control.  A little frightening too.

Jan brought me the AARP magazine.  Willie Nelson was on the front page with a nice article about him.  She knows I like him.  I have CD's of his and I must play them again.  I kind of forgot him.  The fresh fruit has been outstanding this season and Jan and Amy have kept me supplied.  The peaches and watermelon are my favorite.  See I can talk about some good things.

As Amy says with her blog title  "It is all funny."  Why not laugh?

Betty Bop

BREEZE ON BALCONY

Cloudy, so it was pleasant out there.  I am writing a new poem about SCV being like a cruise ship. So many people have made the comment that it is like one.  I have come up with catchy titles, but have not settled on one yet.  I think it will be interesting.  Later I will share it, if things go well.  My home nurse paid his last visit yesterday.  Does that mean I have graduated? Hope so. Maybe my creativity is the diploma?  I will take it. I  am better in some ways.  Still need the rollator for balance in the hallway. That may be permanent. Oh well, I will adjust. 
All my Accidental Breakfast members have told me that they miss me on Saturday morning.  I fully intended to go this morning, but I slept till 7 and just did not make it.  I will try next time.  I did have OJ, frozen whole wheat waffles. turkey bacon and banana on my waffle and coffee inside and outside on Balcony.  My very rude bird kept up his song of "Senior, Senior, Senior."  I declare that is what it sounds like.  Well I guess I am a senior but that title I do not really like.  I like "Old Girl" better.  At least my little bit of humor is coming back

Betty Boop  

MORE NEW DOCTORS

This time a Periodontics. Turns out he is the husband of my new dentist  who took over my old dentist practice. Go figure!!.  Nice set up?  O well, so be it.  Anyway they are all younger than me, so I will have them from now on.  Very nice young man with up to date knowledge and the price to match!!  He scheduled a biopsy on the small patch that has appeared on my gum.  The way to tell it is nothing to be concerned about.  Another way of saying,"I don't know what the heck it is."  I will go Monday and have that done.  Pray for me that they will find out what it is and not to worry.

I woke up early and it is my maid's day to clean.  Bitsy and I both like that.  She follows Barbara around like a friend who has come to visit. I guess that she is. I went to eat breakfast in the Cyber.  By myself it was very good.  The newest worker really does know how to cook eggs over light, just the way I like them.  I had two eggs, sausage, rye toast and coffee. Mighty fine.  I brought the second cup up and drank it in the Bubble till Barbara finished my apartment.  Living like a Queen still.   Friday again.  My how these hot days are slowly passing.  I find myself looking for Fall.  Maybe everything will be better.  I want to write--just can't get an inspiring subject for a poem.  Somebody help me out and give me a push.  I was going to say a "nudge" but push was what I need. 
Betty Boop

TWICE DONE

I AM not crazy.  I got mixed up and thought my blog did not publish, so I did it again.  Little different version.  SO BE IT !!!

MORE STORMS

Every day about 5 the sudden rain storms come.  Just as people are going home from work.   I always think about Sophia, and M.G.  My Balcony catches it everyday and it wets everything.  I had to be careful where I sat not to get wet.  I came in and finished my second cup at the computer.  Messed Bitsy up. Any time I do something different, she notices it.  M.G came yesterday and gave her the shot.  Will soon go back to State Vet to see what we will do next. 

Breakfast was good  but fixed by me.  I am spoiled. I could go down to the Cyber.  But am too lazy to get dressed that early.  I get slower and slower it seems.

Betty Boop (that's me)

MORE STORMS

Every day about 5 it comes a sudden rain storm, as people come home from work.  I always think about Sophie and MG at that time.  A pattern has formed and expect it every day.  My  balcony catches it and everything gets soaked.  I had to be careful where I sat this morning.  It felt good out there, but that will change quickly.  So I am finishing my second cup at the computer. Breakfast was good, but I do miss someone of my family fixing it for me,  Gulf Shores spoiled me.  People call these days the Dog Days of Summer.  I must ask Mr. Google to explain that to me.  I may write a poem about it.  I am having a dry spell in writing.  My brain has been too full of "ME".  I hate that.  But so be it.

Betty Boop that is me

"LOOK MOM., NO CAVATIES."

Yes I went to my
dentist yesterday for my 6 month checkup.  No problems except they found a little white patch by my gums to check out.  Nothing expected or really wrong they don't think,  Just can't explain it.  So I am being sent to a Periodontics.  Oh my!!  Nothing to worry about? They don't know me very well.  I am president of the worry club.  You know. this ageing is no fun.  All my parts are wearing out.  The world of medicine is very big and daunting.  They seem to be after my money and my mind too.  Oh well, here we go tomorrow to check it out.  Jan and Amy and I have learned a lot since I have been under the gun. so to speak.  First thing you know, I will be in the hall giving advice, like so many here that I know {or don't know.}  I have always been one to hesitate to give advice, but my knowledge is growing.  Lord help me to just keep my advice to myself and my mouth shut!!
But. I have a free day today.  What will I do with it?  What can I say tomorrow that I did with it? In the Lord's Prayer, we ask the Lord to give us "our daily bread."  I think that means give me what I need for this day. At least  that is how I see it.   So Lord Give Me My Daily Bread. 

Betty Boop

BIG STORM YESTERDAY

Thank you, dear reader for reading.  I sound like a real writer.  Ha!  I just tell my thoughts.  It does me good to write them down and to know someone reads.  Jan was here yesterday sorting through hospital and Dr's bills and statements.  She is a real sleuth at tracking down the "road to being sick."  What would I do without her.  Just pay it and shut up, I guess.  Thanks be to her for looking after my interest. She got away Just as the big storm started.  I  can't remember seeing such lighting and heard such thunder.  I do remember once as a teenager going with my then boyfriend to collect money from his paper route.  We were at Choir practice at Church and it was over and he asked me to ride with him to collect.  Of course I went.  While we were doing this little job a storm came up.  We parked to watch the beautiful display of lighting.  I can still remember thinking how romantic it was to me.  It was exciting to be with him alone in the car and watching a display so beautiful.  Enough said.

BettyBoop

CAT vs BIRD

I must find something else to write about, or else I may loose my few blog viewers.  As I eat breakfast each morning, Bitsy, already gobbling up her ration, comes and sits with me.  She gazes her view from the Balcony through the screen door.  I told you about the little Titmouse who boldly comes and sits.  Bitsy is very, very still and listens while the bird sings to us.  Maybe he is fussing but whatever. Bitsy is paralyzed and interested.  Surely the bird can see or sense her being so close.  It flies away then right back to repeat whatever he is telling us.  So Be It. Church was so good yesterday.  We are having special music to let the Choir have the summer months off. Good today.  I enjoyed the old song he played .

I seem to be getting slower since Beach Week.  Maybe that is good.  I just can't seem to hurry or move fast anymore.  Maybe I got spoiled?  I think  that is it.

Betty Boop

NO BIRDS

No birds in sight from the Balcony.  Where are they?  I searched for something to write about.  I saw a movement on the rail of the balcony and it was a little bug an inch long with six legs that were churning fast.  My they can travel fast. I don't know much about the bug kingdom.  As I watched him {her} travel I wondered what the hurry?  It went to the end and stopped. went under and out and back the way it came.  Then I noticed another bug and it just flew away, but my little guy just kept on his path back where I first noticed it.  He went under the rail and I waited a while and looked closely.  It was just sitting and looking around.  Boreing story?  But I still wonder, and watch.

I am planning on going to Church.  Haven't been able to go for a while and I miss it.  I am glad I grew up in a family where Church was an important part of my life.  Sometime even early training does not stick.  I am glad mine did.  It has guided me throughout my lifetime.  I am grateful for the guidance that has  instilled in me.  My girls feel it too. 

Betty Boop

NEWS FROM THE BALCONY

It was pleasant there this morning.  Earlier Betsy and I observed this brave little bird on the chair outside the screen to balcony.  I think it was a Titmouse.  It was singing the blues loud and clear.  So small to sound so loud.  Bitsy was paralyzed .  Did not move or utter a sound.  Surely the bird knew she was there so close.  The balcony was nice.  I saw the big grass cutter at work early on the Meadow. Getting ahead of the heat.  The Canada geese will have a good time eating bugs that get stirred up.

Breakfast is just not the same since I got back from that wonderful Beach trip. Someone fixed my breakfast, made to order, each morning. How sweet that was.  "MaMaw what do you want this morning?"  Someone was assigned to me I bet.  Well that is easy to get used to. 

I wanted to go to my usual breakfast group this morning.  It just take a while to get going and could not make it at 7:30.  I miss it.  Maybe I will get it on track later.    Always interesting subjects to talk about  Miss it.

Jan and Tommy are out of town for the weekend. So I will be on my own today.  She came yesterday and did my pill box.  She is so dedicated to me.  I admit, I feel better since my meds have changed. SO BE IT!!  Well, let's get on with it.  Shampoo, wash clothes. change sheets.  My. my.  I am SUZY HOMEMAKER.  I loved that title I had for many years.  I was  soooo  lucky.

Betty Boop

LAVENDER PETUNIAS

LAVENDER. LAVANDA.LAVENDE.  How ever you spell it--it is a beautiful color.  Especially in flowers. I ended up withal yellow and lavender this year for the balcony.  The petunias in a pretty ceramic pot of blue and cream that I found in the trash room is a perfect fit for them. I have never had them bloom so well,  and did you know they have a sweet fragrance?  did not know that.  In the evening they put out a light sweet fragrance that is not offensive at all. I am very pleased with that pot!!.  The sunflower vine is blooming and still growing  If it starts to turn and grow toward the sliding door into my apartment---I will be scared!!. 

I slept later this morning.  I am slowly striking off my "things to take care of."  Also my activities .  I think it is time to join the I AM GETTING TOO OLD FOR ALL THIS EXTRA STUFF"  group.  There is so much to do and see and go to.  What does it matter?  Especially if you don't feel that frisky!!  I will from now on pick and choose what I really want to do and not feel as if I need to do it all.  I have to admit that I enjoy doing and being a part of the whole scene. but something tells me I don't have to do that to be content. 

What a sermon!!!! Forgive me.  Sometime I feel my Blogger friends are a good sounding board.

Betty Boop

NEWS FROM THE BALCONY

Well.  Not much.  I declare!!!, as a sweet Southern girl would say, I need a subject.  The Canada geese do little to generate anything to tell.  I do believe they are trying to make a comeback.  Well good luck, there are many who would disagree.  Maybe my kitty would be better to talk about.  She is so pretty since the scratching is, I think under control.  I am for the steroid shots.  And come what may.  At least she is comfortable.  A little bird got her attention this morning as I opened the drape.  He was bold with the screen between them. Bitsy was all eyes and ears as he chirped.  It made her day except she could not get to him.  She was very, very still and they eyed each other for a while.  My little sunflower vine is growing wild and blooming little yellow blooms with brown centers.  They look like small sunflowers.  So interesting.  I am training it to run along the balcony rail. 

Not much on tap for today.  I am looking forward to Friday.  Marshall Ramsey is coming to speak.  I have heard him before but he is fun  to listen to.  I wonder how he will relate to seniors?  Of course he will be selling his books.  I used to have one of his books with his cartoons that appear in the paper each day.  Don't know where it is, just hope someone is enjoying it.

Betty Boop

CROW TALKING

Well, no ducks this morning.  But a crow showed up and started to "preaching."  Just one and he was enough!  He got little response from his audience.  He finally moved on but not before scolding his crowd.  I saw two egrets flying across the Lake, since they were flying toward each other. I thought they would collide in mid air.  I should have known better.  One flew to the bank and the other flew on. I have much to learn about the animal kingdom.  It was very quiet and a little breeze.  Cloudy and chance of rain.  Don't you love having the weather report from the Dot Spot?  It tells you she has little to talk about. So I will let you off the hook and move on till something interesting happens.

Betty Boop 

TWO PAIR--NOT THREE?

I looked  for the ducks this morning.  Saw two pair, then one lone duck.  It seemed to be looking up stream for it's mate.  They all were looking in that direction.  Finally it came swimming swiftly toward the group.  They got in pairs and swam the other direction.  Now what kind of story can I make up?  Was it him or her who was out all night?         Had lunch with the "girls".Told them all about the trip.  Now I must stop telling it all.  They will not believe me anyway.  It is hard to describe.  I mostly told about what wonderful cooks my girls and boys are and what good food they all served. 

Must get busy.  Still lots to do.  How lucky can one Old Girl get?

Betty Boop

Bitsy is back, looking sassy.  If she could talk she could tell many a story I bet.

NICE ON THE BALCONY

It has been nice and cool on  the Balcony.  Little showers are welcome.  I sat out there a while this morning.  I observed one walker and 4 pair of ducks.  The were Canada geese I think.  They seemed a little small and quiet for them but I think that is what they are.  A chorus of birds were singing to me. I wish I knew as much as Truman did about them.  He knew them by their sound and I guess he was more observant as a child growing up on a farm and hunting in the woods.  His cousins (and there were many boys) went hunting for everything.  His mother  was a brave and generous soul. She would cook almost anything the boys brought home. Except  flying squirrels.  Said they looked like rats.  I really did love her.  She raised such a fine  family.  She was a roll model for me.

Betty Boop

BACK FROM THE BEACH

What a wonderful week we had. Good food (you would not believe), so I wont try to tell you.  Good fun on beach, good catching up with everyone.  Just all good.  No one got sick or sunburned or disagreed with any one, as far as I know.. I may have been kept in the dark.  That is a safe place to be.  Just kidding.  It is amazing how that many people can work together to bring this week about.  I am proud of everyone..

I was treated so special.  And I am thoroughly spoiled. What a wonderful group of people,  My family.  The pool was as much of a hit as the beach.  All the kids and a few adults too, just enjoyed the fun in the pool. We enjoyed special performance led by Ashley.  The Chicken Dance is so much fun.  I will always remember that one.  It seems it is universal.    Liam can really show off his moves too.  Karis is a pro for sure.  Andrew seemed  embarrassed by his siblings and their show off ability.  He is our deep thinker.  I like talking to him.  All my Grandchildren  are special in there own way,  Now isn't that the way it should be? 

It is hard to tell it all, so I will just say this," a good time was had by all."

Betty Boop