TABLE FOR ONE

I  woke at 6 and had time to go to the Cyber for breakfast.   Best "eggs over light" in town.  Of course I don't know what the rest of town is like, but why search--  but why look when it is so easy here.  Of course it would be nice to go down in my "nightie", but don't care to go there.  I think one of the reasons I love living here is because it is the first time I have lived "on my own".  I got used to it pretty fast and adjusted.  I did not have the luck to go to College and lived at home till I got married.  All good but I missed that step of living away from home.  Of course  it is not the same. but in some ways it is alike.  You have the fun loving, young at heart, the goofy, the self- centered. the braggers, just as anywhere.  But the independence, is for some, the first independence. It  has been scary at times but I have been proud to get this far.  (with help of course.) 
,
Amy is coming today and we will try to get almost, if not, finished with "Happies."

Betty Boop

IT'S MAGIC

Nothing like a hair cut.  Especially when mine was overdue.  And the frosting on the cake is hair color.  Wow. that is magic.  I am taking my color time writing.  Hope no one comes to the door while I am in stages of undress.  I have learned my lesson.  This hair color business is pretty permanent on the places you don't want it. So, I pretty much strip down. So now that I have drawn a picture of me for you, I will proceed with a little visit.  I just passed the display case in the lobby.  My Mexican Nativity is displayed so pretty.  It most surely looks different from all the rest.  I like that it stands out.  When we bought it in Mexico a long time ago, I thought after I got it on that it was something to keep even though it was different.  Dianna seemed very pleased with it. I set it up on an old piece of quilt that belonged to Truman's Mother. Just a fit.  I am sure there will be those here who will question it but I consider is quite beautiful. SO BE IT.

Betty Boop

SAUSAGE BALLS

I always connect sausage balls with any family gathering.  I could eat my weight in them and the Chex  mix  is next.  I do like them very much to say the least.  Just the right snack.  All protein (Ha Ha)  Oh well it is a celebration and part of that is the good food that we eat only once in a while.    Next is the decorating.  I really am not up to par and extra takes a toll on me now, but I am doing it anyway and I find myself encouraging my Hall Mates to do the same.  I must say , not much is needed.  This place is frantic with activity.  The Lobby tree is magnificent.  The courtyard at night is lovely.  I could go on and on, but it is true.  It helps to have new residents who are working.  I remember when I could do all that.  What a rush of energy and a sense of belonging to something you think you have lost in leaving your home and making a new one here.  I made the move with ease and grace and I am proud of that,

Betty Boop

BUSY PLACE

Too cool for Balcony this morning. But the sun is out and it  will warm up some later. Too late to just "sit and sip." So I will do it before the computer. Busy day ahead. Exercise this morning.  I need it.  Visit with friends and catch up on the gossip from Thanksgiving and week end.  I love to hear it and keep my mouth shut.  Best way to have everyone like you.  Did you know that?  It is true for me. Don't believe half you hear.  I walked the Halls yesterday afternoon.  Many have decorated their entrances.  Is there a contest going on?  Mine looks good to me.  My tier table is filled to the "tacky" rim.  But I don't care.  It is pretty to me.  I put every little Angel that I own there.  I did not know how many till I put them all out together. Some are from travels, some old from my past.  Also mixed in are the little nomes that were my mother's. I think they are of value.  Who wants them for keepsake? 

Betty Boop

CHRISTMAS IS-A-COMING

You  would believe it if you lived at SCV.  I came home from MG"s the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas had happened.  Little Elves had been at work.  When I worked on that committee, it took days to do what they had done.  More younger people helped so much.  It spurred me on.  I now have my hall entrance that  I maintain decorated and my door to my apartment and entrance looking like  Christmas.  My tree will wait a while till I get some more energy.  What store do you buy energy?  They turned on the lights on the Lake last night.  It was so pretty. The court yard and everywhere you can think of is decorated.  O. K. there were some sore backs I bet.  I met a lady pacing the hall before the Court Yard. Her husband was working after others had stopped.  She said she just got him over a bout with his back--she guessed he would be flat of his back again.  It was their first Christmas here and he was very into everything.  I know the fealing . I have been there and done almost everything there is to do, but can't do that much anymore.  Oh well,
bloom where you are.

Betty Boop

WEDDING

November 23. 1946.  You go figure how many years ago that was.  A long time, yet too short too.  I stood with this good looking young man before the preacher, family and friends and promised to love honor till death do part.  Now death does not really part.  I have my memories. After all.  I really did not know him.  I thought I did.  I felt real love I know that.  You don't really know someone till you experience many years of joys and sorrows and all the in-be-tweens.  That is call life. When I think of it, marriage is a gamble. A good one, shares, talks, agrees, disagrees, and still comes out with love stronger. I loved Truman with all my heart.  I know he loved me too. We were lucky. 

Betty Boop   

HAPPY AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING

So much to be thankful for.  I know we say the words and really do mean them, but to live in this awesome country where we believe in God, and all the blessings he gives us each day.  We must give thanks every day.  I am thankful for the new little girl in our family.  She is so welcomed and loved.  Each day I give thanks for a beautiful day and a nights rest.  I could name them one by one and it would never end.  I am indeed thankful for my family.  They love me and accept me just as I am.  I do the same for them.

I am eating Thaksgiving lunch here and tomorrow our family who are here will gather for a second dinner.  How nice. Two times to cheat on the diet.  I am having lunch with my friend Betty and her daughter-in-law today and I don't know who else yet.  A lot of people are having lunch here today.  It will be good, but not as good  as Amy's dressing and M.G.'s fried turkey tomorrow.  Yes fried!!  Anything  Sophie cooks is special.  So two great days to enjoy !!

Betty (blessed) Boop

BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE

The sunshine takes an edge off the  cool nip in the air.  Shoppers are getting started.  I miss that in a way.  It was exciting and satisfying but also stressful.  I loved the planning and the decorating.  I would pull out oldies and maybe a few newbies.  I loved doing the mantel and always wished Truman would decorate the tree with me.  I am not sure if he just did not know how or he considered it my "thing."  Oh well it all got done. He did take me to buy a real tree every year and then set it up and then let me decorate.  Maybe I was a little controlling?  No, he just did not want to do that part.  I did enjoy it.   Now things are different.  Time changes most things.  I have a small artificial one and some of my all time favorite ornaments that I saved.  It is kind of "bittersweet".  I don't know why I still do it.  And I guess I will continue till I can't do it any more.  I must be careful, because I hear a note of regret in my words.  Don't go down that lane.  It leads to nowhere.  I am thankful for today. 
 
I went to exercise class. Short in number, because some are already gone for the holiday.  It felt good.  I took my Blood Sugar reading when I got back (it was high before I went) and it was 99 after exercise class!!!  Just shows you how good exercise is for me.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

Back home from a good day.  Started with Church. Always good.  We gathered at M.G.and Ryans new home.  New because they have done so many lovely new things to it.  On the Lake at Lake Lorman.  The screened porch was so relaxing.  Sophie and Paul brought Mr. Chen's for us to eat for lunch.  My, how nice.  The house is lovely.   I know they are going to enjoy living there for a longtime.

I am enjoying pictures of the new baby Emily and her big brother and sister.  Fun ahead. 
Betty Boop

AND THE ANGELS SANG

Yes another Angel was born yesterday.  Her name is Emily Jane.  Little sister !!   They are happy and so am I.  My 9th great grand child.  How wonderful.  Beautiful little girl is here and healthy.  What more can you ask for?  Maybe sunshine?  We have that too.  Makes the world look good for us.  If only Truman were here to see all his off springs!!  He would be so proud.  Somehow I think he knows.  He is with us in spirit.  I believe.   Do you?

Betty Boop

BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE !!!!

Oh! You did not see it? You have to get up early.  I, for some reason woke at 5 and could not go back to sleep.  Almost afraid to at 5. I would over sleep for sure. So I confused Bitsy and started  everything early.  The clouds were amazing.  How can they be so different every day?  I will tell you how.  There is a master painter in charge. You don't have to understand.  But just enjoy.   A little nippy at 30 degrees but the weather man promises it will warm to the 60's today.  Enough about the weather.
 
I was thrilled with the little 5 and 6 year old children from St. Anthony's school . 33 of them.  All in their homemade Indian and Pilgrim costumes.  They were amazing and so cute and sweet. They came out to us after singing and gave everyone a bunch of corn and shucks to hang on a door complete with a note of a bible verse.   Mine is hanging on my door--so pretty and festive.

That's all for today.
Betty Boop

    

COLD BUT BRIGHT

Yesterday was so gloomy (the weather). But around the Halls, it was bright, cheery, excited.  I think a change  in the weather can do that.  It was the buzz around the people that it was good not to have to go outside. Of having to go in spite of the weather is over for most.  Oh there is the Dr's appointments and various reasons to go, but not many and you can work around that usually.  So this is called retirement and living in an independent place too.  Life is good for me. 

My sweet girls came and we worked on my Christmas "happies"..  I bit off more than I could manage.  They came to the rescue and got a lot done.  One more session might do it.  They are turning out so sweet.  You know I believe in Angels and that is what they are.  So many Angel ornaments that you can make.  I have made a few different kinds.  These are so pretty and sweet.  Can't wait to give them. I have so many friends here.
A few new ones have joined us since last year. 

We are having children from St. Anthony's Catholic School to sing  a Thanksgiving Day program.  I am going as I like to see the programs with children,

Betty Boop

SHIVER ME TIMBERS

Baby it's cold outside.  Think I will stay indoors today.  It was so amusing yesterday to walk to and fro  down the Hall yesterday.  Everyone bundled up and every other old lady in a vest.  I had to laugh to myself. I had one on too. We are "following the fashion" so to speak. Really, no two alike.  They do feel good to old bone.  We are into our Christmas program at Choir.  Kind of makes me sad.  Always did. -Some of the songs bring back sweet memories. But also  because the songs are so beautiful.  We have two with Latin phrases that are thrilling to me.  I am glad to be a part of it. 

Stay warm.  I miss our fireplace.  So Be It.

Betty Boop

HELLO

I have been lax in writing in the Blog.  Sorry, just did not feel like writing.  I feel proud of myself this morning. Not only did I go to Exercise Class, I took pumpkin bread. Everyone was glad to see me back and they are a wonderful bunch of friends.  It felt good to be with them again.  Hope I will keep it up.  It is a lot up to me to make the effort and it is indeed worth the effort.  Going to lunch with friends Betty and Judy. and a mystery who the other one will be.  Wish us luck.

Betty Boop

BALCONY BLISS

At 63 degrees and sun out, where could there be a better place than the Balcony.  I can observe the many clouds.  They are really on display.  So many kinds yet I know there are no two alike.  I see artist trying to capture the beauty of them and really can't take the place of really seeing them.  I hated to leave them this morning and come in to start the day.

Lunch and Choir practice are on the things I will do today. I can think
 of my many members of my family.  They are scattered all over the world today.  I pray the Lord will bless them and keep them safe.

Betty Boop

C of blooms. HRISTMAS??

Is Christmas close?  My Christmas cactus thinks so.  My "boys" gave me this beautiful cactus in a white basket several years ago.  I almost threw it out a few times because it looked so far gone, but I nursed it and surprise--it is beautiful a month or so early.  Just full of Christmas red blooms.  So never give up, it might have just needed a rest. Same with me, I needed that extra hour and I am a Standard Time girl.  I went to exercise class this morning.  I have been avoiding it for various reasons for some time.  It felt good and I picked right up.  One shoulder was a little tricky{rotator cuff}  but I hope I did not strain it.  We will see.

Another creature has been affected by the time change.  Bitsy just can not understand why I wont come to bed on time.  She knows the routine and begs for it. In several ways.  Giving the stares of not understanding,  up on my chair and nuzzling my hair, going to the bed where she sleeps on the foot, and generally upset.  Oh well, I tried to explain, but she still doesn't like it.    I do. like it.

Betty Boop

SATURDAY

I slept better last night.  Can't explain it.  If I knew why, I would "write it down." That reminded me of when I used to love for Truman to tell me stories about growing up on the farm.  A true little country boy who  worked and played his life from being born to wonderful hard working parents and with two brothers and one sister had a life that I could only imagine, being a "city girl."  I loved hearing of the fun he had. I would tell him to "write it down" for your children.   Finally he did make his stories into a book for his children and grandchildren, but it was first written for me.  Grandchildren, pull out TRU-B-DO- B-DO and read it sometime.  It will show you in so many ways how a little country boy grew up to be the great  man he was. Naturally I thought he was great.  Well he was!!!

Betty Boop

FRIDAY

Can't believe it is Friday.  But it is.  Little chilly, but beautiful sunshine.  Not much of interest is happening with me so I will do as the saying goes (and I twisted is a little)  If you have nothing to say, just say nothing.  I made that one up, but it fits me this morning.

Betty Boop

What happened to my last blog?

There it is but a lot of underline.  Who knows what I did.  Hope you can read it anyway.

Betty

DAY AFTER

Since we don't actually go out and Trick or Treat. three ladies came to all our doors dressed like beautiful witches in black gowns and big black hats with vales and knocked loudly with trick or treat like witches.  They carried big, I mean big, baskets of candy.  They forced a handful on me. Now I had to be polite and accept, even though I can't eat much candy.  They were so cute and having fun.  Mary Norfleet was one I reconized What fun they had.

Big storm last night.  I did not hear much except the sirens from the city went off about 3. 

I went down to breakfast at the Cyber.  Lots of people but very little help.  Finally got my eggs and sausage. Was very good.

Betty Boop