POCKET OF PLEASURE

How I enjoyed my lunch yesterday with daughters, number two and number three.   I wish the number one could have been there too.  We ate at Amerigo's.  one  of all of our favorites.  So good !!The bread and olive oil they bring to enjoy while they cook your order is to die for.  Especially when bread is a no no for me.  We sat and ate and talked a long time.  I had trouble getting up for sitting so long.  But is was wonderful.  Amy brought what she called the Welcome Wagon treats this morning.  She and Jan had put together lots and lots of little packets of there homemade goodies.  Can't tell you all of it, but it will tide me over and safve me from the usual dinning room experience for a while.  They are good cooks and the peas, corn, cornbread, cantaloupe, meat loaf, and more than I can even remember.  Eggplant casserole looks so good.  I know I have missed something.  I will have good eating for a few days.  Bless them and many thanks.  Wish I could do something for them. 

Betty (Happy Eating)  Boop

Balcony cool.

It was in the70's out there.  I know the workers are happy for the relief.  It will warm up during the day, but enjoy now.  I have been enjoying Instagram so much.  Got to see Ashley and Bryan's house in all the rooms.  They are back from Italy , a three week trip. and went straight to claim the new house.  It needs TLC and they are the ones to give it.  I can just imagine all the fun they will have.  New job of teaching for Bryan and Ashley will work from home.  Perfect.   

I am going to lunch away from here today.  Need that once in a while.  Jan and Amy are taking me out!! Well I must go and pull myself together and get ready.  Tell about it later.

Betty Boop

ERROR

In my blog just before this one, I called my little figures for my table beavers.  Not right--they are racoons !!!!!

BEEN LAX

Lax but still here.  I wont mention little set backs.  Everyone has them and you have to deal with them.  I realized I am not by myself.  So no one wants to hear about your troubles.  I will just say this: I do feel better and am trying to go with that.  I decided I missed Cyber breakfast and since I woke up in time to go-----I went.  Jasmine cooks the best over light eggs-just right.  I told her that no one there cooks them as good as her.  I am sure she appreciated hearing something good to start her day.  Some people forget to say something good when things are good, but are quick to notice the bad and say so.  There is a difference. Always say something nice if you can. 

M.G. and Amy came by to give Bitsy her shot.  She is getting smart about it and was hard to let them give it.  Those two girls-M.G and her Mom lift me.  Amy brought me makings of an arrangement I want to do for my Fall hall table.  Pinecones and sticks.  I have flowers and leaves. I am rushing Fall because I am ready for it.  How about you?  I will bring my little beavers out.  The one I bought at the closet sale a while back. The lady who used to own them said to me a few days ago,"when are you going to bring my beavers out."  O. K. I like them too.  I will do it on Saturday.  I do love to decorate that table.

Betty Boop

ADVENTURE

I  had a little break for my routine.  Jan called and asked if I wanted to ride with her while she did a little exploring. YES!!  We road through Lake Caroline. Truman and I used to ride through Madison County looking at new developments when he was still working.  He was so interested in what was happening there.  Little did we know that I would live here some day.  My it has grown and spread so far.  Many lakes and developments have happened since then.  He saw many of them but there are many more.  I remember when it felt like real county, it still does in a way.  A few farms and horse and cows still live there. I think Annondale Golf course  was one of the first and Truman played many times there in tournaments. Little did I know I would be living in Madison County some day on a Lake.  God's plan.  I enjoyed seeing such a beautiful place as Lake Caroline and my ride with my sweet daughter who realized I needed a break.

Betty Boop

SCRAPING BOTTOM OF BARREL

What I mean by that title is this:  When you have to stay in and close to home not much happens that is interesting to write.  That right there said means I am not much of a writer.  I did get the desire to find energy to decorate my entrance and the Hall table that I take care of.  You know how important that is to most of us if you walk the halls and look at the creativity of others. After all it is our home..  People get along better and enjoy life more when you  make your apartment like your home.  It is after all. That is what it is.  So I do it.  I used the "back to school" theme.  Although most have been out of school forever, but we like to remember.  I have a school picture from the second grade.  Me on the front row (shortest of all) of course.  It is the center piece and then old school books, paper crayons, tablet, red apple for the teacher, ruler, glue of course a small American flag.  It looks cute to me. 

SO BE IT!!!!Betty Boop 

P.S. Not a computer, I Pad or any other "must have"  devices in sight.  How did we get along without those items?   

EARLY FALL ?

How pleasant on my Balcony. I think fall is my favorite season.  It announces change like no other one.  It seems new things are coming.  The beginning for me now is like closing in for winter.  Such a hot summer.  Any change will be welcome.  I saw a gaggle of Canada geese strolling on the meadow.  Eating as they move slowly and all together. The Meadow is still green but I am sure it is going to seed and there is food for them.  Soon the leader will give a signal and with great to-do they will all rise and leave in a dramatic flourish. What a plan.   The leader has a lot of control over the lot.

I feel restless.  Like I am not getting any thing done.  I keep thinking about my little Christmas project, where I make some little happy for my friends.  I know what I am making, but is it too early to start?  I know how fast time goes for me and I keep getting sidetracked with annoying health issues.  I love Angels and my new project-to-do is Angel related.  It would be nice to have about 50 little angels in the works.

Betty Boop

SO FAR SO GOOD

I am learning a lot about ailments. The longer you live, the more you learn, or should I say experience?  I have learned that there are many parts to the body.  Each has a purpose.  So it is no wonder how many things can go wrong.  I have learned to respect Dr's and nurses and any one in the medical profession.  What else can you do but trust them? I have always been one to recognize I do not know it all-not even near all.  When you think of your body and the many parts that have to work together, it is amazing.  My procedure went as planned, although took a little longer.  Ex-rays and digging(it felt like) to get it all.  They tell me the spot was  small and in early stage so that is good.  He expects the new biopsy to be good too.  Here's hoping he is right.  Eating soft food is hard and takes planning.  Jan and Amy are my Angels right now and are helping me to the fullest.  I am blessed.  I am supposed to take it easy and get rest so I will heal properly.  I feel lazy doing that.  But I will try.  
P.S the Balcony helps.

Betty Boop

THIS IS THE DAY

It is all about Dr.,me and Jan.  Think about me at 11 this morning as I go through the procedure again to "get it all out." 

Betty Boop

Cloudy an chance of rain. just so you know.

M0MDAY

Cicadas. Yes I heard a choir of them.  Fall is on it's way. I am glad to live where the seasons are defined.  You know what to expect.  Like tomorrow I get my second surgery on my gums.  Hope it goes as the first one did.  At least I know what to expect.  Think about me and Jan at 11 tomorrow and pray it will go well.

Betty Boop

MONDAY

Bright and sunny, so far.  These rain storms seem to come up out of nowhere.  Although predicted, they seem surprising . Yes I heard a choir of Cicadas this morning.  Fall is on it's way, something you can count on. The change of seasons.  I am glad I live where the seasons are very pronounced.










Bright and sunny.  No sign of rain, but it seems to come out of nowhere, even when it is predicted.  I really heard a choir of Cicadas this morning.  Fall is on it's way.  Glad I live where seasons are so defined.  A sense of knowing what to expect pleases me.  Like my surgery on my gums tomorrow.   I have been thinking about it long enough.  Let's do it.  At least I know what to expect.  Just hope it goes as good as the first one.  It is Tuesday at 11.  Think about me then.

Betty Boop

RAINY SUNDAY MORNING

Love a rainy morning.  I got it this morning.  Somehow it makes me remember as a little school girl  I walked to school most of my school days. When I went to high school downtown to the only high school except the Catholic school, I rode the city bus.  The Catholic school was then next door to Central High. But I remember the times when I would walk in the rain all bundled up in rain gear.  It seemed to me a sort of special yet earie day.  Can't find a good word. I just remember the feeling.

I think I will stay in today.  Just feel that way.  Nothing wrong.  Do you ever feel like just doing nothing.?

Betty Boop

BALCONY

Clouds are heavy with rain to come.  That was a strong one yesterday.  Flooding some streets.  I am high and dry these days.  Yes, it was cicadas I heard.  Jan heard them too.  My Balcony flower garden is getting sort of shaggy.  I will soon have to pull them up and hope I want miss them too much. I am following Ashley and Bryan through Italy.  They are seeing some of the same places we did.  Some things never change in Europe.  It is funny what people remember.  Their memories will be different from mine.

My Dr's visit was stressful yesterday.  I feel like though she is trying to find my source of tiredness, we don't fully have an answer.    Hey the sun just broke thru I will take that as a good -omen.

Betty Boop

ANOTHER APPOINTMENT

Today it was my primary Doctor to get my A1C levels.  I got a perfect score , scoring right in the middle of accepted numbers.  All other blood test were o.k. except cholesterol.  Little high because she had taken me off my meds. I was taking it for high because she was trying to find what was making me tired. Trial and search is going on now.  She put     me back on one that was not supposed to make me tired.  Any way she has ruled out heart problems (thank goodness.)  They checked my heart when I was in the hospital. Everything else has checked out alright.  Next she wants to have a sleep study done. I wake every 2-3 hours each night. That can cause tiredness the next day.  We will see if that is what I need.  Sleep Doctor?  Would be good to sleep through the night again. All in all, I guess we will get some help soon.  New territory.  I would much rather discover something new some other way.  SO BE IT!!

Betty Boop

MISTAKE I MADE

P.S,

I am 4 feet 11. Down from 4 feet 11 and A HALF.  So I have shrunk one half inches. Hey  one half inch is a lot in some cases.

Betty Boop

GOOD MORNING

Do you hear what I  hear?  Another song  title.  No, really I think I heard a cicada singing  Is it too early?  No I think they start up in late August.  I always equate it to school starting.  But it is still hot and does not feel like Fall is anywhere near.  Poor kid start school so early now. Ah! school days.  Another batch of memories.  I have many.  Memories of always being the smallest in class.  One embarrassing memory you may remember me telling.  My feet would not reach the floor while sitting at my desk.  First or second grade.  My teacher had them bring a couple of bricks to put my feet on.  It worked, although I remember standing out for the wrong reason.  It was thoughtful of the teacher, but embarrassing  for "little Dot." I don't think I ever got used to being the shortest in every group picture., but I got to always stand on the front row.  It is still that way and it is getting worse.  With age marching, swiftly on I am only four feet tall now.  Makes me stand taller.  I still have pretty good posture.  Dr. Ford said yesterday because of my glaucoma I was fortunate to still even be here.  Can't figure that to be true, because I have several things going on that could shorten my days.  I often ponder why?  Why am I still here and living as well as I do.  It is not my place to ask why.  Just live the best I can and to be happy where I am.
Proverb that I love:  Proverbs 16:31. Long life is the reward of the righteous; grey hair is a glorious crown.

SO BE IT
BettyBoop

GOOD REPORT

Bitsy had a good report considering her condition.  This allergy thing is slow to manage.  Because that is about all we can do--manage.  Dr. said she was pleased and to keep up her same treatment and we may get to the point of cutting the meds.  So sassy girl is getting fat on the meds and I hope that wont be a problem. Now I am off to eye Dr.  Hope he tells me I am holding my own.  I am thankful for the sight I still have.  Jan is coming and I need to hurry on.

Betty Boop

BIG DAY FOR BITSY

Big day for Bitsy.  She sees her vet from Mississippi State.  Very ritzy? Hope she can get on a track to helping her .  Bitsy does not know yet we are going since I don't take her carrier down from the closet till right before we go.  It is the one thing she hates. I will tell you later how it turns out.

Betty Boop

CLOUDS AGAIN

I bet you think I stay in the clouds.  Good place to be.  But sooner or later, you have to come down.  I did yesterday and went to Church and lunch with my family (some of them) and felt good.  We went to Little Tokyo.  I really enjoyed it.  The Grand daughters and spouses were full of news.  My how they do so much.  I know they are young and full of energy, but it still astounds me the great things they all do.  I wish I could see the rest of my family more.  What I think about is what fun we could all still have on Riverwood Lake.  We did enjoy a lot there and that will have to do.  On to bigger things now. Those are my memories, they are making their own now.  SO BE IT.

This week is going to be very busy.  Bitsy goes to her Vet, I go to visit eye Dr.  and Dr. Campbell.  Whew!  How was I so lucky to schedule so much?  Hope I make.  I may be looking for the clouds for sure.

Betty Boop

SMOOTH AS SILK

 The clouds hide the sun and it is cool ( as of now. ) It is tempting to linger too long on the Balcony.  The balcony is like another room for me.  Big and wide is the area I gaze on.  My balcony space is long and narrow and usually filled with potted plants.  I do have a few this year but the heat has been hard on them,  I have an interesting  new one this year.  It is a vine called sunflower vine with tiny yellow blooms that look like sunflowers.  I think I have mentioned it before.  It has gone wild with vine and not many blooms.  But enough for me to inspect it every day and look for more. The old Begonia plant holds on.  I bought it right after I moved here and it has held on all through the 7 winters (just like me.)  It was very quiet and peaceful and I get a good start from my stay there each morning.

Betty Boop 

SATURDAY ALREADY ??

As time goes by.  Song title.  But it seems to go fast for me. Maybe it is partly because I have structure to my days.  Can't be a"come what may girl".  Must know what is the plan?  I go first to Instagram to track A. ? B. who are in Rome at the moment.  Can't wait till they send me a picture of the statue David (my favorite part of Rome.) They look so happy and are enjoying many sights where we went long ago.  Memories--what would I do without them.  They are making sweet ones now, even though they don't know it yet.  Funny about memories, you never know what you will remember.

Balcony felt so good.   Clouds are still covering the sun and a small breeze felt good.  Must come in and get with it.  I made progress on my poem, but still want to change it a little.  I will know when it is finished. It comes sudden and sure when it does.

Betty Boop

HIGHLIGHT OF DAY

The highlight was a real trip to the grocery store.  I have always liked a trip to the grocery store.  Some hate it.  Just look at all the possibilities.  Amy reminded me of how when they were kids I would always go once a week( when one day I had our one car.)  I would bring a treat and put it at the foot of their bed.  Sometime a LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK (only 25 cents then.)  Or best of all a small piece or two of candy!!  Yesterday I decided I wanted to go instead of her or Jan  to bring my order, which was a treat too.  Just wanted to go somewhere I guess.  I almost did not make it.  I used up my energy fast.  I was holding to the shopping cart for support and therefore the fuller it got--the heaver it got.  I was pooped out.  I wanted to go out to eat but just made a wise choice and let Amy go pick up.  The Cyber gets old at times, so she suggested, since I wanted a roast beef sandwich, that she go to
Ryan's best place, and get them.  We ate in the Bubble and with a view of the Lake, it was so good.  I like the bread of the sandwich and the pasta salad was good too.  Most of all, I had a beautiful day.  Thank you Amy for your patience and love.  I love you too.

Betty Boop

AND THE HEAVENS DECLARE THEIR GLORY

I guess you think I am obsessed with clouds.  I guess I look at them a lot on my Balcony.  Such a good place to see them.  This morning they were something to behold at 7 or so.  So many kinds.  I must speak to David Hartman about them. 

I guess the high light of yesterday was a hair cut.  I was in need of one bad.  So, it  is dark and short again.  Needs to grow for a few days and then it will look better.  Which reminded me of all the different places I have had hair cuts, shampoos, curls over the years.  Even home perms.  My they were the rage in their day.  Remember Tony"s  (home perms.)  I remember one salon at downtown Kennington"s Department store.  On Capitol Street. That was special.  Downtown was booming then. I think it is coming back with apartment living now. I well remember my first perm.  I was12 years old and I hated it.  I cried and cried. Mother assured me it would grow out.  I did not believe it. 

Betty Boop

NOT MUCH TO SAY

It is so still and nothing moving on the Balcony, only thing is the clouds and they were all over.  I looked for the little white one with a blue center (Truman),but could not fine him.  Call me crazy, but that image stays with me.  I guess the Lord had something else for him to do.  Silly I know, but it gives me comfort to really know he is in the presence of God.  That is what Rob told me when I asked him where Truman was now. 

Hey, I get my hair cut today and turn this fast greying hair into a dark haired cutie.  It feels so good to do that.

Betty Boop

DIFFERENT MORING

I woke at 6:15.  Instead of turning over and going back to sleep, I decided to just get up.  I am tired of dragging around and not getting anything done on time.  I showered and dressed and went down to breakfast. I was the first one there at 7:30.  Fine with me.  I don't much like conversation that early.  Two eggs over light, sausage. whole wheat toast and two cups of coffee.  Mighty good whith someone else cooking and serving and not to mention cleaning up.  I brought my second sup to the Bubble.  Yes that is different.  I took my devotional book and Bible and read and prayed as usual.  It was a beautiful experience.  Now I am writing to you dear Blog.  What else will be different?  I have already met two Angels in the Hall coming up.  One gave me a hug and two magazines. The other a word of encouragement which meant a lot.  What next?   My I am greedy?

Betty Boop

PEACEFUL ON BALCONY

I hated to come back inside. Pleasant temps.,such clouds,  ducks swimming together, (two.)  Where is everybody?  A little hummer flew by and hesitated before me and then flew off.  Amazing little creatures.  I think I have never seen  such clouds.  Every kind you could imagine.  Except rain clouds.  Simply beautiful. 

Bitsy and I saw something we never see here.  Last night she kept watching the top of the room. I have seen wasp get in around the screen door before, but nothing was flying..  She watched the lamp closely and I got up to look and the biggest roach I have ever seen scuttled out.  Bitsy went wild after it.  I slapped at it and it got away.  Bitsy was "on watch" the rest of the night. When we went to bed she was still looking.  I don't know how it got in.  It was not your average house roach.  I have never seen any kind of roach inside my apartment.  They spray and have pest control all the time and you can call if you  see any kind of bugs.  What kind was this?   This one got away, to where I do not know.  Hope I scared him as much as he scared Bitsy and me.

Betty Boop 

SUNDAY SUNDAY

My Sunday already?  I got up early to have plenty time.  I hate to rush anymore. If I vary my routine, my Kitty notices.  I have told you how smart she is.  She knows if I do anything different. 

A lone walker was strolling around the greens in front of the golf tee.  He has a new rollator.  We all want one.  It is beautiful and stands out among the Medicare issues..  Pretty color, white with blue trim, large wheels that he says roll smooth, tall for him, and yet very compact.  I bet it cost a lot.  He can afford it.  He does use it a lot to keep walking as much as he is required to.  Well I must go and get on the routine wagon and go, go, go. Church time soon.

Betty (not much to write about)  Boop 

SURPRISE

For the first time in I do not remember how long, I went to Saturday breakfast with the usual group.  It was an effort, but I made it,  except.
nobody showed up.  Don't know where they are?  I ate my pancakes (yes I said pancakes) Sometime events  happen and they come together at the same time and  everyone is out at the same time.  So here I   am back soon and will get on my way to Jan coming for lunch.  All is not lost.  Also laundry awaits.

Betty Boop

EARLY RISER

It can be done!!  I woke at 6:30. got up and went to breakfast in the Cyber.  Barbara, my maid, was coming at 8:30 so I had to hurry.  Don't like hurry anymore.  But I  made it down before she came.  I left Bitsy in charge.  She loves Barbara and follows her mops and vacuum like she is the Inspector.  Funny little cat.  Also Amy is coming to pick me up. so, I wont get Cabin Fever.  I stay in so much that it is getting too comfortable to do nothing.  We may do a little shopping and lunch some place other than SCV.  Although it is good here, a little change can lift you up.

Later

Betty Boop

SUNSHINE

I had to move my chair a few times to dodge the sun.  That is what I get for sleeping so late and getting out there when the sun hits most of my Balcony.  I stayed a while.  Long enough to  see a walker on the greens and a man trimming the edges around the Lake.  He was on the other side yesterday.  It is a big area and it stays so well maintained.  Another perk for living here.  They go on and on and I am aware of blessings every day.  What a place to  live.!! Jan brought me fresh peaches and tomato, okra and the smallest baby yellow squash!!  My, I will cook  them today.  Sounds good to me.  I make cornbread and cut it into portions and freeze them.  Fresh veggies must have cornbread.  I am a southern girl after all.

BETTY BOOP

JIMMY DEAN ' DELIGHT

Jimmy Dean's -- English muffin made with whole grain, turkey sausage, egg white, with cheese. Yes it is a Delight.  So easy and no mess to clean up.  Truly a delight.  I keep them in the freezer for when I don't want to cook or get dressed to go eat in the Cyber. Although I do love their breakfast. That was the case this morning.  I need to eat breakfast to bring my blood sugar up in the morning.  Even though I eat a snack, like Total about 8-830 the night before,  I still am low in the morning.  I do like breakfast and have always eaten it. Try Jimmy Dean, but be careful which one. some are better for you than others.

The Canada Geese are up to something.  I just saw a flock fly over my Balcony. Honking loudly. They flew back and joined another flock and they flew out toward the Rez. Never landing here.  I am glad for that.  It was a lot of them.  Surely it is too early to fly South or do they do that?  I will have to get the bird book out.   I am sailing good this week, just biding my time till 3 Dr. appointments later this month.  Oh my, how it looks like that I love them but not the right word-love.  Respect is better.    SO BE IT!!!

Betty  Boop