FUN DAY

Saturday was 'breakout day."  Jan came and brought groceries for me ,  Then we went to Fresh Way produce  market on Old Canton Road. It has been operating for years there.   I used to go to it in my Riverwood days.  They have grown from a small stand on the Old Canton to what it is today.  Now they carry so many things other than the tomatoes , lady peas. okra and corn, that I went twice a week at least to buy to have fresh veggies.  It is hard to describe now.  You must go.  The tomato was so good.  Of course strawberries are coming in too and they were good at breakfast this morning.  I had tomato with bacon and an English muffin, and strawberries at the end.  What a feast.  Church this morning and lunch out, the day will be complete.

Betty Boop  hope yours is too.

SATURDAY

As I ate my breakfast of "egg in a hole" or "pig in a poke", whatever you call it, brought back memories of when I used to cook them for my family.   Try it, so good.  I watched from the inside a couple exercising in the pool.   Early and really going for it.  He was obsessed I think with holding on and simply jumping up and down.  Over and over.   While she glided across the pool with grace and ease.  Oh well. I am sure I saw it all wrong, but that was what it looked like.  Exercise is exercise for sure.  I finished my coffee on the Balcony.  Behind a post so I would stop watching.  It is a lovely morning. The birds are all a twitter and looking for a nest.  Our birds are not as beautiful in color except for the bluebirds.  Haven't seen them yet.   I put out my little flower pot feeder.  Real small and fits a flower pot.  They came last year to it even though only one at a time to feed.  It is waiting and ready.

Yesterday was the 8th anniversary of Truman's passing.  I thought of him a lot.  It seems like yesterday, yet I still miss him everyday.  As I have said before, I kiss his pillow each night and wish he was still here.  And in a way he is. Memories abound and I am grateful for them. 

Jan is coming and we have a few things to do.  I will get on with it.

Betty Boop

GOT TO GET OUT MORE.

Wow, I am a blank.  Nothing much to say. Of course a lot is going on.  Meet and Greet, for new residents, Darvin Adams, Canadian football player. Art Class, Happy Stitchers, Book Club, Water Walking, all in one day and I have nothing to do?   Don't feel sorry for me, it is all my fault.  O well, none of that interest me.  So, I will just get a hair cut (much needed) and bring my hair back to glorious color!!..  I wish.

I will get to it.

Betty Boop

BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE

Spring is on it's way.  Amy is holding me back.  The urge to plant is nigh!! I know the nights are too cool yet, but I can think about it and decide what I want. Patience, please. 

Trip to the Vet was tiring and Bitsy was patient. They clipped her claws. which had grown into her pads and I know it hurt.  Took  all of us to hold her.  Must watch that closer.  The Vet is so good and wants to help her.  Allergy is tough in cats.  She wants to cut back on certain meds for her benefit.  So we are on a mission to do that.   Amy made me a calendar because it would be hard to remember as the dosage changes.  We will try to maintain her better without so much medications. O. K.  She is as bad as I am.   So much to keep us on track.  SO BE IT.

I must go to the Band. Ha! Ha!  I am lucky, my bank comes to me right down stairs and transacts anything I need.  Now isn't that great.? You know, I always name the wonderful things about living here and it is true.  But sometime, I miss getting in the car and just go do it.  Don't go there--isn't going to happen anymore.  Hate to be dependent on my family.  They are all so supportive and kind, so enjoy!!!

Betty Boop

IMPORTANT DAY FOR BITSY

I haven't told Bitsy yet, but it is the day for her visit to the Vet.  If I get the carrier out, she will know for sure.  Hope it is a success and a better plan can be made for her.  Smart Cat.  Thanks to Amy for help in this matter. 

I wish I could see the Spring flowers at Riverwood. Remember the Johnny-Jump-Ups. the Trillaum, violets ? nd many other wild thing at spring? I hope  the Lake is maintained as we used to do it.   I hope so.  It was a real gem right in the middle of the city and not many knew of it.  Eleven of houses backed up it and we had a group who always  worked as a  club to maintain its beautiful water and shore that backed up to each property.  We really enjoyed living there.   Memories galore of many events .   So much was shared with our family.  Memories again. Thank you Lord, I remember them.

Betty (down memory lane again)Boop

RAINY MONDAY

Rainy Monday, but it will clear later.  It is nice to stay in and not "have to go out."  Sunday was nice.  Everywhere we looked, young girls and, not so young, were in shorts.  Amy and I had lunch after church with MG and Ryan at Beagle Bagels.  We sat outside and was a little windy, but we braved it.  I guess we are all looking to nice outside time. I brought my toasted bagels home.  They are so goooood.  Maybe not good for you, but I will eat a small bit at a time .My they make chicken salad good  too.

Why is coffee so good lately?  I keep wanting to mention it.  That is not like me.  "cream in my coffee"," coffee  in my cup".  Oh well, I guess I need to hunt another subject or my few readers will give up on me. 

Betty Boop

SATURDAY

Cream in my coffee again. I have an assortment of coffee cups, so I get to have a different one each morning.   I know some people like the same favorite one for the day, but so be it. Just like I like to change the color  of my blog.  Truman used to be amazed at the color ink I used.   He was very conservative  and while he never complained, I am sure he wondered if it was the thing to do.  He was proud of me to use the computer( as bad at it as I was.)  He would come in from work and say, "pull up the stocks."   And we would see how they did that day.  I guess that is my habit still as I look every day to check. 

I am getting anxious to fill the pots on the Balcony.  It is too soon.  Someone said at lunch yesterday that we had not had that usual cool snap yet.  The weather is so up and down, so I will take a note from Bitsy and be patient.   That cat has the most patience and the best personality of any cat yet.

Betty Boop

COFFEE IN YOUR CUP

Small pleasures.  I have drunk coffee for a long time.  I don't think I am exactly "hooked"  on it, but I do enjoy it in the morning.  I went through a faze of hot tea instead.  Can't say why I switched.  Truman did not drink it at breakfast but he did like a small cup and often later.   They got fun from him when he was here at Siena and I used to go get him a drink or two often too. I think it was just something to do.  I am thinking about him a lot lately as March 2011 comes and marks another year without him. I still kiss his pillow at night.  A small sub for the real thing.   

I am kind of  free today of things I must do-so what will I do?   Maybe a little laundry?   Yes that will do it.

Betty Boop
P.S how do you like this color?

LAKE

I woke at 6 and said, get up old girl, for you have been in this bed for 8 hours-enough is enough.  I have been wanting to go down for breakfast in the Cyber.  Jasmine is calling me to cook my eggs over light.  So I did go and it was great.  I then brought back my second cup and took my Bible and devotional book to the bubble and enjoyed it.  I observed how the green is popping out all over.  Only one little duck was up early.  I started counting how long he would stay under diving for food.  10 seconds on the dot.  Up and down he went.  The sky is a pale blue with no clouds, perfect. 

Oh, did you watch Michel Buble' in concert?  He was back on NBC after a time with his young son who was ill.  Every thing seems well with him and he was in a happy, dancing, singing mood.   I do  love watching him perform. Made my day.  He and Josh Groban are fine to watch Though they are different they sing such good songs. and songs that mean something!!  I am glad there is still music I like,  for I  enjoy music of several different kinds. 

Betty Boop

MISADVENTURE

Is that a word?  It means we went on an adventure for Penny and missed it.  Our special vet from the vet school sent a message she would not be in Jackson and we missed her message.  So we went for a  ride.  And still have to go again next  Tuesday.  Betsy was confused and kept very quiet on the ride.   I guess she enjoyed the ride and we did nothing to her.  Next time baby, hold on.

It turned out that I did not miss Choir practice and all was well. Got to go to the Methodist Church service  here also.  Rev. Paige Presley was there and she is a good preacher. We sang"It is well" in our choir concert  practice and in the Methodist church service also.  So I got to sing it two times yesterday.   Maybe a message in there--It is well, with my soul?  I hope so.

Betty Boop

BITSY'S ADVENTURE

Bitsy gets to go somewhere.  In the car, in her purple  carrier with Amy and me. Oh well it is a chance to "break out" as we call it around here.  To the Vet for a check up.  I do hope her allergy is better and a better course of treatment can be ordered.  It is a lot to do for her.   Mary Grace and Amy have been so faithful to give her shots  and I mix her meds every day in some good canned food, which she loves.  I take good care of her and give her all the love and attention I can.   Who gets to sleep on the foot of my bed and curl up wherever  I am.  She in turn lets me talk to her, and agrees with me, she has even seen me cry,  I read the bible to her and she listens while I pray , greets those who visit with glee.  She is a perfect hostess and partner.

I guess my knack  for writing poetry is back.  I wrote one for the VILLAGER and one for the Library Board for April.  Here is the one for the board.

FOOLS BEWARE

 

April Fool's Day,  Beware!!

Jokesters are lurking everywhere.

Hide in the Library behind a book.

That's where they will never look.!!

 

Dot Ells

 

Betty Boop



SUNDAY SUNDAY !!

Sunshine and a little cool, but it will warm up. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you.  Everyone is Irish today. Wear a little green today and don't let someone pinch you for not doing it.   Now that is an old saying.  I really celebrated yesterday a little early.  My friend, Father Frank, a retired priest on my floor, saw my Irish display in the hall and I told him I thought of him when I did it. He is from Ireland.  Later he said he wanted a picture of it to send to friends.  We planned it for Saturday morning when Jan was coming and could take the picture. We met and caused a little audience of people passing by.  He brought his big Irish flag and I held it on one side and he stood on the other side of my decorations.  We had a lot of fun with him donning one of the Irish hats in the picture. He is such a joyful person and is a delight to know.  The photos turned out good and he let me keep the flag for display till I take it down this afternoon.  I will then put up Easter décor and enjoy that too.  So on to today and see what it offers.  Hope it is fun and joyful like Father 
Frank.  Thank goodness for those kind of people.

Betty Boop 

GREY DAY

I don't want to draw the day grey. but here is as close as it gets.  Oh, nothing is wrong.   Just being "creative."  So, O. K.I will stop trying. to be funny and creative.   I read my Instagram and blog's, and e-mails and it  seems I am the only one recording. 

Gosh is it ever going to get to Spring.  I guess I am ready for it.  Jan is coming. Now that will brightened the day a lot.  More going through some files that need to be purged.  It will take forever to get that task done, but worth the time. Thanks to Jan.  I can't wait till St. Patrick's day is done and I can decorate with my "century" old Easter stuff.  My I love those little cotton chicks and rabbits.  They are getting so old but rare to buy now.  Old Easter baskets and old fashioned grass.  What a mess that was.  Cleaned it up for days.  Ham and potato salad and strawberry short cake was some of the favorites.  Still are.  Frilly new dresses and hats and gloves to wear to Church.(for my girls and me before them)  Yes they had gloves hats, and new shoes and socks and smiles on their faces.  Those were my girls and me before them.  Don't forget the chocolate bunny.   I saved mine forever and never mind I had bitten his ears off right away.  Oh me here I go again. How much money that there  was to spend made a difference how big that big bunny was.  I also remembe  big chocolate hollow eggs decorated inside with flowers and other things.  My I do get started down that memory lane  fast.  I think Easter is as big for kids as Christmas. 

Betty Boop





  

MORNING

Back from sitting in the Bubble (another of my favorites)  while Barbara cleans my apartment.  What a treat to have her.   She is so nice and good.   Well, while I finished my devotional and Bible reading and taking in the ducks swimming. I decided to pen a poem..  I have been lax for so long.   This one has been brewing for a while and I am not sure it is worth reading.  I seem to have lost my creativity for now.  But here it goes:          SMALL THINGS

by Dot Ellis

 

From coffee in your cup,

When you first get up.

From first rays of sunlight

and thanks for a good night.

 

Give a smile to everyone on your way

And ask about their day.

All these things are small.

Add them together-not small at all !!!!

• What do you think?
• Betty Boop

BREEZY

 Could you do without my weather report each morning?   Mine comes straight from the famous Balcony.  The clouds seem to be in a hurry to go someplace.  It felt like Spring to me.  I know each year I say I will cut back on the pots of flowers, but something stirs inside of me and I feel the urge to try it again.  Planning is as much as doing it and enjoying it too.  So the beat goes on.   I hear a bird singing to it's friends.  He is telling them to wake up and get going.  I also saw a sign of Spring yesterday in the ground below me. It seems mother duck is picking her nesting spot.  The dad is following her looking for a spot too.  He, I noticed was the follower this time, just commenting on her choices.  She is in control  of the nesting place, it seems. They were inspecting the shrubs and getting ready.  I do hope they find one near me.  I would like to put up a small bird house hanging from my Balcony rail and hanging over the edge.  Think that would work?  I would not leave them enough privacy  and try to name their babies or something they would not appreciate.  Better leave that dream alone.   I get so many ideas that just wont work. 

Betty Boop

TOO NIPPY

I braved the Balcony  ( 2 min,)  and it was a little too cool and the wind was blowing.  So I am back with my second cup at the computer.  I do love this computer.  Although there remains much I don't understand about it.  But I seem to be gradually giving up things.   Like my car.  My "smart phone"  that I never did get to understand it.  Everybody tried to teach me, but it seemed to be beyond me.  I always thought I was a little smart. Not what you call real smart, but enough to get by.  But I just could not remember from time to time how to even answer the thing, much less make a call. I gave it  up. if you want to talk to me, please do it the old way.  Telephone or e-mail.   I learned to e-mail long ago and still manage most of the time to understand it.   Sometime even the e-mail and other aspects of it elude me.  It seems to have a mind of its own.  Even experts say the same.  So be it.

Amy is off,  taking Candy with her to visit Ivy .  I know they will enjoy a little road trip to visit her and Tripp. Can't keep up with my family.

Betty Boop 

GOOD MORNING Y"ALL

I have always like the color blue. Even as a child, I remember favorite  clothing blue.  My apartment has lots of blue. Saying that , I may change to pink.  But I don't think I can find anything as beautiful as the pink in the clouds in the morning as the sun rises.  Nothing can compare. I slept well and enough last night,   It feels good to get good sleep. 

I watched a new favorite show last night that many don't like.  THE  GOOD DOCTOR.  I got caught up in it and was upset to have a cliff hanger happen.  I hate cliff hangers.    Oh well. something to look for in the fall. 

Sometime my computer has a mind of it's on and goes its  merry way and leaves me and my beautiful blue color  behind.  Guess it does not like blue.  Don't know how to change it back without starting over.   SO BE IT.

Betty Boop

NO SUN TODAY

I slept late!!!  New for me.  Maybe the time change is catching up with me.  Church was good.  I came home after and had lunch here.  It   has a different feeling on Sunday.  Everyone is dressed for Church it seems.  Kind of nice.  The pork loin was good as was everything else.    I relaxed and read my current book.  I love our Library where I walk down stairs and help myself to many good books. I have been reading JULIE KLASSEN"s books. She writes romantic novels .This one is 1813. Full of secrets for this woman in distress and of course finds her true love in the end--or not.  Something you can dig into and just be there.  I love one like that once in a while

Oatmeal for breakfast with fresh strawberries from Fla.  Good but will be better later.  I am not hard to please.  Have I told you how this time of year  reminds me of our trips to South Texas where we stayed a couple of months having such a good time in a wonderful Campground for Winter Texans.  I am sure I have-wont bore you with it, but it was a nice part of retirement.    We had strawberries in Texas then too and tomatoes that were so good.  ----- The older I get the more little cut off lanes lead down Memory Lane.  SO BE IT.

Betty Boop





  

SUNRISE

I wish I had a color the sky is at sunrise this morning, I could paint a picture.  The blue of the sky with pink peaking where the sun will rise can not be duplicated. No one can paint such a picture.

Jan came yesterday. We cleaned  out a lot of old paper stuff.   I keep statements, receipts and more.  I thought it would be just for last year, but some were a couple of years old.   She carted a garbage bag full to shred. It felt lighter and neater. We have miles to go before my files are purged of unneeded clutter.  With the age of computers and such, no need to keep some of the things I keep. And then on the other hand, I think of  some things I wish I had kept.   O well they are for the most part still in my Memory Bank, in safe keeping.    Bitsy is at my feet watching me type.  She is with me almost everywhere I go. What a friend. I can tell her anything and she will keep it to herself. 

SWEETLY BE 
Betty Boop                                                

SATURDAY

Sitting on my favorite--The Balcony.  Perfect this morning.  I was reminded of a line in a song--"sitting on the dock of the Bay". Key West, Fla.  What a place to watch the sun go down.  One of the first maybe the first RV trip we took with Irene and Cecil, we always wanted to go there.  It is a tight little town and not really made for RV's.  We went there before we parked for the night.   Mistake.  We "hicks" finally made it to witness a great show of many kinds of talent right on the beach.  People everywhere of all kinds.   That in it's self was a show.  There is where the next day we had our first "real" Key Lime pie.Cecil never stopped talking about how much it cost.  It was worth every mouthful to me. 
 
Another great surprise happened yesterday.  My sweet grand daughters, Sophie and Mary Grace came to lunch with me. We had a great time.  I showed them off to everyone. They looked so sweet and impressed everyone, not to mention  how proud I felt. Amy came and brought groceries that afternoon.  Book Club at her house that morning.  I know it was beautiful as well good food and conversation.  I am  glad she has such good friends.    So you see I had a full and great day.  And Jan is coming this morning to work on cleaning some files.  What a mess I am.  Afraid to discard anything for fear I may need it.  Maybe Mr. T. will come to lunch with us. That would be nice.

As Rose Budd Stevens would say :"Sweetly Be."

Betty Boop

THURSDSY ALREADY ??

ow about
















How ABOUT DARK GREEN?   Not so pretty?  I don't think so either.  Little excitement last evening.  About 4 or so the electricity went off.  A power fuse was blown or the crew in the halls said.   Be right back on mam!  Well the whole building was affected.  Do you know how quite is was?  Nothing to listen to or watch.  As it started to get dark, I was nervous.  I hunted candles and flashlight.  I had 7 candles going soon and Bitsy was excited.  I ate some cereal by candle light.  Not romantic.  But necessary.  So much is affected by electricity.  Really started to realize how so many people live that way all the time.  It came on around 6 or 7.  What a deal? We (Bitsy) and I made it and really enjoyed the candles for a treat.    Enough said.

Betty Boop

COLD!!!!

Winter and I wish I could stay in by the fire, in my case the sun through the window.  Have an  appointment at the Dr's.   Just a follow up I  hope.  I do think of a fireplace and how  sitting on the brick ledge in front of it felt. Well the sun does feel good.   Bitsy is hugging it.  Speaking of her, I will be glad to have her see the Vet soon.  There must be something  more we can do for her  comfort. I think the same for myself.  Just can't believe the only answer is 92 and just accept it.  Patience please. On another note, I had a very good sleep last night and that helps. 

Hey, I get to wear  my new red coat.  It will feel good today. Something else good.  There is a lot of good stuff to see.

Betty Boop

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Count your blessings, it would be an endless task. My devotional was just that.  They mentioned an old well known hymn-
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS,  They mentioned a part of verse 3:"  strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all  mine   with ten thousands beside." What a powerful statement. Great is thy faithfulness  !!!

Have a great day!!

Betty

WINTER Brrrrrr !!!!!!

What a change.  Jack Frost is still dueling with Lady Spring.  She thought she had edge on him and was on her merry way to Spring, but alas he is winning again. But not for long. March is here and it is the month of change.  Bare with her, she will win and then we may complain about her weather too.  Never satisfied with what we have. 

I woke to the fact that I felt like Cyber breakfast.  So I broke my usual and did things different for a start.  Betsy was confused, but as long as she gets her ration she can bend a little.  Veronica, in the Cyberthe best "eggs over light'" I have ever had.   I tell her so often.  She is so sweet and pleasant early in the morning.  Hope she stays with us forever.  Two eggs over light. bacon, rye toast and coffee really hit the spot.  I reversed my usual routine and took my second cup of coffee to the Cyber and read my usual Bible and devotional.  Watched the covey of "lake ducks" a  while and now to straighten out my usual routine. 

Lunch yesterday after Church at Chars with Amy, M.G.(Ryan was not feeling well), Paul and Sophie, it was very good.  Fried chicken was wonderful although I had to deal with the discomfort of fried food.  The new magazine issue was discussed. The best ever Paul & Sophie.  Love giving one to friends who like it so much. 

Well enough said  So Be It
Betty Boop

KING CAKE

King cake, we celebrate with colors including purple--so here we go.  Today before Church, we will have coffee, and King Cake. What does that have to do with Church, asked Jan.?  Nothing I guess.  Lent is somewhere in the mix, but nothing wrong with a little fun fellowship.  Rainy day may take a tole on the already small crowd, hope not.  We will celebrate Mardi Gras here Tuesday starting with the Madison Central Jazz Band. Ending with a train of dancers marching to OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN.  I USED TO MARCH AND WAVE WHATEVER I COULD.  Think I will sit and cheer them on.   Brings back memories of Bryan and his drummer days there.   He was a Star (to me.)  Lunch and dinner will be Mardi Gras theme.  Here is hoping they get that right.  I know there will beads to wear.  Join in the fun, whatever they offer. 
Betty Boop

SATURDAY

Do you like Saturday's.  I do.  Somehow it takes me back in time to little girl days. Daddy home and mama doing different kinds of things.  Usually something like soup bubbling on the stove and maybe finishing something new for me to wear for Sunday School.  Always a festive kind of day.  Still feels sort of different.  There are the week days of school and work, Sunday always stood out because of the friends I only saw then and special meals for Sunday Dinner. Like fried chicken or pot roast.  Then there was Saturday. Sometime shopping. sometime racking leaves and the smell of the fire you were allowed in the city then to burn trash.  So many memories keep coming.  Hey a  trip down "Memory Lane."

Yesterday Jan and Amy surprised me with going out to lunch together.  The conversation is always good with everyone trying to catch up.  I enjoy not only the lunch away from here but the many subjects we can cover in a lunch hour.   I am so happy to have daughters that I enjoy and never do we argue or complain about each other.  I don't think everyone has that blessing. To talk and discuss many things with your adult children is something I am proud of.   All in all it was a good day.

And so is Saturday even down Memory Lane .  HOW DO YOU LIKE THE  Color PINK FOR TODAY.??


Betty Boop