EXCIDED

Does not take much, yet a lot too.  To get me excided.  I actually got to drink my second cup on my Beloved Balcony.  It is in the 60's and I know it is the calm before the rain and more cold but what a lot of fun to do it again. 

On a somber note, yet a little mild stone, I decided to part with the few clothes I hung on to of Truman's. Some old friends of his, I liked to say.  They brought back sweet close memories.  I soldiered through by myself.  Best that way.  We are having a "mini" closet sale with just clothes as a benefit for the Christmas Fund. It has been 8 years and I decided it was time.  Someone can use them and it was a shame to keep holding on and giving to a good cause while they were still good things.  I was proud of myself.  Tired but happy for the decision..

I am going to practice with my new cane and let my friends in therapy see it and be sure it is adjusted right to my height.  I will miss the little basket on my rollator to carry things.  We are all guilty of filling up any little space when it  come available.  Right? 

SO BE IT !!
Betty Boop

GOOD DAY ?

Good day. Why not? Start the day with a smile and thankful heart.  I challenge you this day to give everyone a friendly smile if they don't have one.  Smiles are free and worth a lot.  We are singing as last song in our Spring concert an old old song from WW1.  You have heard it and possibly did not know it is from WW1.  About a young lad off to war, singing to his sweetheart.  SMILE A WHILE.  Ever heard it?.  Bet you have and if it does not make you smile through tears--I am sorry for you. 

Another reason to smile today.  I am breaking in a new aid.  A walking cane.  Amy and I got it yesterday.  Many to choose from.  Do I get one with the American flag, one for the woods? hot pink. blue that seems to glow in the dark?  Or do I go black, No I went middle of  the road and chose a sedate bronze model.  I hope it gets me places easy.  I will still use the rollator for long hauls down the halls.  Who knows maybe I will discard it later altogether.   Something to SMILE  about.  Smiles come in handy.   Put one in your pocket today and give it away to someone who needs one.

Betty Boop

DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY

About the weather.  I remember every year about this time, the weather baffles me.  It is something all over America.   Maybe I will stick to something I know about.  This is a sort of Big Day.  I am going to pick out a WALKING CANE  Orders from Dr. in hand and much advice from friends.  Better stick to the Dr. I think.  I would like something sort of pretty but on the other hand, better to not call attention to it?  The run of the mill  prescription may be best.  Oh well --whatever, will do for me.  I just hope I can master it,   I am such a hard one to teach new tricks.  But I see others mastering it--why can't I?  I know I am making a big deal of it, but it will be nice in some cases to use it instead the Rollator .Less trouble for my helper at the time. Amy always says"what do you carry in this thing to make it so hard to shut?"  I am used to taking everything in the little basket.   So I will close and worry about it .  I always need something to ponder (worry about.)

Betty Boop

COOL AND CRISP

What a beautiful morning.  Cool and sunny.  The sky writer in the Eastern sky is happy.  I call him "sky" although he does not write. words but makes streaks of clouds all around as far as I can see.  I know it must makes him (her) happy.  I like to see them too.  The rain has kept him inside for days.  I still wonder about it.

Amy and I were alone for lunch yesterday.  Every one else was out of pocket.  Missed them.  We went to Mr. Chens one of the favorites. Enjoyed it so much.  I watched the OSCARS last night/  Don't keep up with  movies anymore but I like to see what the ladies wear (or don't wear.)  They are getting bold I think.  It ran over my usual bedtime and Bitsy could not understand what was happening.  She got on the ottoman, right in my face and just stared--and said come on lets go to bed already.  She likes routine. Smart cat and the sweetest one I ever had. 

HAPPY MONDAY

Betty Boop

CAN'T KEEP UP

I give up with this weather.  I need a new subject to talk about and let the "sticks lie where they fall."   Here is a new subject. MARDI GRAS I am decorated for it.  We will celebrate March 5. I guess.  Wonder what the lunch will be? They will celebrate at lunch and dinner both.  I am getting ahead of myself.  I look forward to decorating on the table leading to our hall.  Also on my door to apartment.  Gives me something to do and people are very kind with the approval .  Just a  little thing I can do.  Amy decorated for Truman with beautiful spring flowers and I can't wait to see it.  Wouldn't he  smile down at his baby girl?  The one he thought would be his "boy."  As far as I could tell {and I knew him better than anyone) he was never disappointed in another sweet little girl.   Me either.  I know I am rambling but please bare with me.

Jan is having fun with her grands in Indiana.  She sends pictures to prove it.   Poor Mr. T.is stuck in tax season.  That soon will pass.     Right now it does not look like storms are coming, but you know how they can miss it sometimes.  Spring is trying to come too early and the whole country is confused.  That Ground Hog predicted an early Spring.  Blame it on him (or her.)  I am getting my fill of Mysteries,  I do that.  Get started and try to see how many I can read.  O yes,, have you tried turkey sausage breakfast links? Good.  Amy brought me the makings for a small pizza.  I think I will put a veg. on it and make it acceptable.  (for lunch) Hope I have not bored you, but keep you reading.  How about comments? I need to read something new too.

Betty Boop

FOGGY FRIDAY

We have every kind of weather possible.  Fog is creepy and dangerous to drive in.  I am a little glad for giving up my car and driving.   I think back at how easy to jump in when ever I wanted and get all kinds of things done.  Oh the fazes of life.  I remember when I could not drive and Truman taught me.  We only had one car, and I got it on Friday. What a thrill to go to the grocery store and buy for a week.  I have always enjoyed shopping for everything.  No matter the need.  So it is a gradual thing, giving up my car.  I did not feel sad about it.  I know it was for the best and I decided for my self when it was time.  But at times I get sorry I have to depend on my girls so much.   Hard to make a list with out forgetting something.  Amy is shopping for me today and I  end the list with "a surprise" Meaning bring me a  treat Mom. " Like I used to do for my girls on Friday when we had one car and I got to use it on Friday. SO BE IT

Betty Boop

ANOTHER RAINEY DAY

Settle is known for a lot of rain.  How do they stand it?  They probably wonder how we in the South stand heat and humidity ?  All in what you are used to.  The U. S. is full of many kinds of weather.  Very interesting .Something to ponder.  Boy I have a lot to do!!  Well somebody has to do it.  I wish I could direct my creativity this morning to writing poetry  I seem to be in a funk lately.  If  I  come  up with a few subjects I could be good to go.  I will try today to start.  But first I need to get an appointment to get my  hair cut or- -  -get a dog collar.

Betty Boop

JUST THE WEATHER

Just lo0k for the sunshine.  It is there some where hiding.  I believe we wont see it for a while.  Have   to make own for a  while.  Just brighten the corner where you are, so to speak.   Don't you just love "Polly Anna's?"  I guess they have there place too. 

Hade a good visit with My Eye Dr.  He is just biding my time with giving me just hoping I still hold on.  He thinks none has the right to have the eye sight that I do, I am as amazed as he is.  I'll take it and be glad.  He told me if I have a drink of Burbon each night and smoke a cigar-keep doing it. Funny man.  I have never tasted burbon or smoked anything.  So what is the secrete?  He seems to have fun with me.  Makes his day.     Mine too.

Betty Boop  

TUESDAY

Tuesday and the beat goes on.  One day follows the other and before you know it--the week- end is here.  I have an early appointment with my eye Doctor.  Entertaining fellow.  I have known him for many years.  Since he first started with old Dr. "Mole" as my girls called him whose office was in  an old house on North State street.  The hall we followed to get to his exam room was long and dark like a mole hole, so he was Dr. Mole to them.  My present Dr. took over his practice. He is always amazed at how well I can see with all the problems I have had over the years.  Makes a big to do over me each visit.  Hope I get a good report today. 

So off I go with my very capable driver, Amy.  She runs my personal taxi service.  She is very capable.

Betty Boop   

MONDAY

Green is the color for today.  And the wild blooming trees like the wild pear is outstanding.   Really an exciting time of the season.  Gives you hope. I need hope for our Church. Many reasons for our loss of members.  It is sad when I think of how much it has been a part  of my life and my family too.  Pray for what to do? Yes.

Lunch at BRAVO"s was out standing yesterday. Their business is booming.  Rainy and gloomy outside but Amy, Sophie, Paul and I really enjoyed each other and shared what we did last week and what we have to do this week.  

Rain is on tap for every day this week.  O my.  Oh I forgot--I enjoyed a special on ELVIS last night.  I think he recorded some really beautiful music.  O.K.  lets get to it!!

Betty Boop   

SPRING & SUNDAY

Well it seems like Spring and I know it is Sunday.  The Japanese Magnolia under my balcony thinks it has already arrived.  It is in full bloom and beautiful. Jonquils have already declared it is time to wake up and are blooming everywhere.  The wild pear trees across from me in the woods are standing out in their white coat.  But I think they may be a little early for it is still middle of February. I have worn my new red coat 2 times and it is so pretty hanging in the closet.  I may get to wear it yet.  You think?

I guess my chatter is mundane next to all I read about some of my readers. -----Tell you about my breakfast.  Scrambled egg, whole grain waffle with light butter and sugar-free syrup (diabetic)  V8 juice and coffee. Thank goodness for coffee.  It is free!! It can be good if you work at it.  You have to always think about what you are eating and sometime I get tired of always thinking about food.  But if I don't be careful, I pay for it.    We all, sooner or later have some  kind of problem with food. SO BE IT

Betty Boop

UP UP & AWAY

Jan took off early by plane (only way to travel) to visit her Grandkids and of course C & D.  Wish I could fly again.  I did love it when we traveled.  I especially like the early flights.  To be up so high and watch the day begin was a thill.  Another wish I don't think I will have again, but I did it when "he" was still here and we enjoyed many great trips.

Guess it will be a  little lonely since Jan usually comes on Saturday and says," well what do you want to do today?"  Usually I have something of interest  planned.  Not that the scene does not change around here.   Something like "gossip."  Some people seem to thrive on it.  But I have learned to beware and not pass it on, because it is not always, shall we say accurate?  O well, laundry is calling and a shampoo, I do need a hair cut.  Maybe next week?  I need to get that magic in a bottle to turn me into that little dark haired cutie again.  Have to stay from that grey.

Betty Boop

THOUGHTS CREATE EMOTIONS

 I don't  know where I got that statement.  Surely I read it , for I am not capable of thinking that one.  It is so true.  Today is Valentine's Day and thoughts bring my emotions to the front of my mind.  I asked several men this morning as I went to breakfast in Cyber.  "Did you get your sweetheart a valentine?"  I got cards to flowers as responses.  Good for them.  It reminded me of my yearly ritual of bring out past valentines I saved that Truman and I exchanged.  I saved a few.  Later I will reread them and shed a happy tear of memories of the past.  Some are soooo sweet and others funny, but always with love.  I am blessed to have had "the best of mates."  I realize it more today than when I was actually living it.  SO BE IT. Let's be honest.  At the time of living, you don't always realize what you have,  Right?

Betty Boop

EARLY

I did not sleep well-woke up early and told Bitsy, let's get up and get started. She agreed as breakfast is her first thing on her agenda,  She is so smart.  She knows my routine and sits patiently while I take my blood pressure,  as that is the first thing I do each morning.  Then I fix her breakfast plate before I fix mine.  I did not want to cook so I had Jimmy Dean whole wheat English muffin, with cheese and egg white. Pretty good if you don't have it every morning.  And I save it for times when I just don't want to cook, but I need to eat regularly.  PT this morning and a skit this afternoon by a few residents.  They call it "Not So Newlywed Show.  Should be fun.  Can't imagine Truman doing that-but I would like it. All in fun.

Betty Boop

WORLD DAY OF THE SICK

I did not know of this day.  I think it is a Catholic thing.  We observed it in a nice way.  .  Names  were collected and put in a basket and presented at the alter of the Chapel. Every one was invited to put names of the sick. There was a ceremony where several people(I did not know them) had a few words to read.  I think they were Catholic officials, they did not introduce them.  Mary Margret Judy read also.  The choir sang and the sick were prayed for.  When we left, cards were passed to us with prayers by Saint Mother Teresa and by Pope Francis. First thing Catholic they have had here for everybody.  You would hardly know it is a Catholic facility. No one treats you different from another.  I like that.  It was not attended well.  I don't think they advertised it well, for I thought it was a good thing.  The choir  (and me) sang a good old song from way back --LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS. Guess we are all connected after all. (Mary Margret requested it.)  I don't know what faith she is.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

Up early, but still managed 8 hours of sleep.  Felt good to rest.  Although, I wish I could remember my dreams.  They vanish as soon as I wake.  I know sometime if they are good I wish I could recall them. Dreams are strange.  They have been recorded since the beginning of time.  Dreams were very important in Bible stories and in all of scripture too. They must have important meanings.  But some of mine and yours too are very strange and you just wonder where they come from.  Too deep for me to understand.  Can't even remember mine from last night. Oh well--SO BE IT.

Church this morning and lunch meeting after.  The subject of our future of the Church will be discussed.  On our level and the Conference level  too.  Should be important.  Our Church is barely holding on just like many of our kind.  Young people mostly don't want organized denominations, as they are ,and seek more ways of worship.  So we shrink and lose members who would have carried on.  Do not know the answer.  As they say "times, they are a- changing."

Betty Boop

PANORAMA

You have to get up early to see the sight I saw this morning.  The sun rising  was beautiful.  I can't describe it.  The Lord was surely in his heavens and declaring his glory.  Nobody can say there is no God.  Science can not explain or take credit for it.  I have never seen so many colors of blue and pink.  And every kind and shape of clouds possible.  It last such a short time that I know everyone can not see it.  I felt special to see it.    O.K. enough preaching.  You all know my believes and you have your own. So Be It.

Friday takes on a different mood.  I get to have two days off from PT.  It is doing me good and I am working now on mastering  the art of using a cane.  Sounds old lady like.  But it will be another way for me to stay on my feet. And besides, they make some pretty snazzy looking ones.  Will be fun picking one out.  We will see. By the way --it is not easy to know which leg goes first and with the cane or not.  Oh well I am sure many have trouble getting the hang of it and it will get easier.

Betty Boop

GUESS WHAT !!

I got to have coffee after breakfast on the Balcony.  First time in a while.  Of course I know Spring has not sprung yet, but it feels like it.  Breakfast in the Cyber was good except the coffee maker was on the blink.  They were right on it, getting it fixed, except no coffee.  By the time I had finished my eggs, it was done and I brought it up with me to the Balcony.  A gentle breeze was enough to move the clouds racing swiftly.  So maybe rain tonight and cool weather again. I    understand the ground hog did not see his shadow--so early Spring is expected. Do you believe in him?

Time sure seems to fly.  So does that make me an "oldie"?  They say the older you get, the faster it seems to fly by. I never knew so many things happen because you get older.  Maybe it is because you have experienced so many things that there is not much left-so let's get on to the next event?  Just thinking.  A man at breakfast came over and asked how much peanut butter  did I put in my oatmeal?  You know I wrote a poem about oatmeal and peanut butter for the Vigllager.  I  told him a heap teaspoon.  He did not say he would try it, but I urged him to.  So somebody does read my poems, even as silly as they are.  Well I will go, I have a meeting to go to and lunch also with Judy.

Betty Boop

UNDER THE WEATHER

UNDER THE WEATHER?  there must be a poem in that statement.  Except I don't want to waste my thoughts on that subject.  Often it means worry, isolation, pain, and a feeling of missing out on something. (everything  usually.)   I don't know why but too often my "under the weather" times happen over the weekend and I miss my Church and family time.  But I was forced to stay close because of prep for a test.  We still are baffled as to what causes my unbalance.  So the beat goes on.   Is it worth the trouble?   Yes of course.  I don't live in the dark ages when people just had to guess what is wrong.  I believe and trust my Dr.  I am not stubborn like some I know.    Off the soap box. little Dot.  Everybody knows you.

Don't feel super this morning, so I will try to feel better.  Stayin "in" is for the birds.  Now there is another phrase that I don't get.  Birds never stay in do they?  Don't mind me, I have stayed in too long.

Betty Boop

FOG

Fog has crept in as predicted.  It looks pretty on the Lake.  Jan & Mr. T. are on the coast for a visit with family and some good fresh seafood.  Good combo I say. family and seafood.     I had oatmeal with fresh strawberries for breakfast.  Another good combo.  In fact I just had a new poem published in the VILLAGER about a combo.Makes me a published author?  Maybe not.  Here it is:

OATMEAL by Dot Ellis

"Eat your oatmeal" mama always said.
"It will keep you warm and full all day."
Something I think she read
Surely not for me I say.

But today I really like it.
With fruit, how can it be beat?
Now I will tell you a real hit.
Add peanut butter for a real treat.!!

Now isn't that silly?  Try it, you may like it.

Betty Boop

DAY AFTER

I had the best birthday ever. Family all over the country called and it seemed like everyone I know here at SCV wished me a happy one in some special way.  Lunch with two sweet daughters with Arby's sandwiches in my beloved Bubble sun room was perfect.  I really enjoyed the trip to Kroger's.  So much new and wonderful items to look at.  Bought a few too.  Had strawberries this morning.  So good. 

Well back to earth (not a bad place to be)  and PT this morning.  Will get to it.  Got to keep these 92 year old bone a-working.
Betty Boop