MONDAY

From my Balcony this morning I see the world. at least my little part of it.  I do love sitting there early and hear the birds wake up and the day begin. Yesterday was a beautiful one in so many ways.  After church, Amy and I came back to SCV and met Ryan and MG for lunch.   They brought an amazing assortment of salads from WHOLE FOODS.  We set up in the BUBBLE and had a beautiful view of the Lake.  Later we all sat on the famous Balcony to relax.  Fun.  Ryan got so relaxed that after a while he went in to lay on the carpet with Bitsy and almost got a nap.  He does like Bitsy and she adores him.  Was a perfect day and it was enjoyed by all. 

Betty Boop

SATURDAY

Saturday was a little long day without Jan's usual visit.  I got pictures from Ft. Wayne  that proved she had a good day with her  Grands. I was at a loss  to find something to do.  With my usual first of the day  chores I had plenty of time on my hands.  I went to the Cyber for lunch. It being such a beautiful day that the crowd was thin.  I got naughty and ordered a hot dog !! I do like a good hot dog.  Not good for me so when I get one it is a rare treat.  Of course to make it worse I had sweet potato fries. Now sweet potato in it's self is a good thing--it is the "fry"  that is not so good.  I did however bring half of the fries home to the freezer.  They heat up well in the oven for later  Stay with me, I realize I am grasping for straws to make this worth reading.  So I took a long walk in the Halls  and then a long nap. Up to get the mail and picked up my supper.  Talked to friends along the way and ended up reading a while.  So went my day.  I think today will be good in it's own way as I will be with Amy and Church.  Maybe I will see some family too.  We will see.

Betty Boop

SUPER SATURDAY

I used to claim Winter as my favorite season, for many reasons.  But I must say that now it is Spring.  My Mother always comes to my memory when I think of Spring. Her favorite, I heard her say many times.  She was so good at growing flowers in her yard. I remember many times going to Church on Sunday with a beautiful arrangement (as she called them) sitting in her lap, so as not to risk it falling apart.  The Altar was her joy to do. We did not buy flowers for the Church in those days except for rare occasions. Most ladies took great pride in growing their own.  Hey, getting to far down Memory Lane.  And at 92, I do have a lot of them.

Betty Boop

GEESE SAGA

 Bet you hoped I had forgotten the lonely Canada Goose?  No, but this may be the last chapter.   As I sat  in the Bubble,finishing my breakfast coffee while my apartment is being cleaned, I saw the "lonely" goose floating slow and looking at the pair  that were approaching.  They saw him too and must have smelled trouble.  They cut their swim short and jumped to the bank and headed for the grass.  Lone Goose followed at a safe distance.  As they came to the pine thicket, they cut across and disappeared into the shade.  Lonely Goose turned the other way, not wanting another flogging and headed for the road to the other lake. He stopped, however and looked back before crossing-- to a female coming toward him.   My she was a pretty sight as she swayed toward him.  Love at first sight.  She joined him and they  strolled across the road to the small lake by the houses.  I think he found just what he wanted and needed.  I hope this is also the happy ending to a mostly made up story of my crazy imagination.  THE END

On to other things.  Jan is on the plane as we speak, flying toward her grandchildren for a visit, Tommy will follow later.  I will miss them for over a week,  Hope they have fun and I know they will.  Amy took  me to have my toenails clipped yesterday.  Can't do it any more so, being diabetic, I really must be careful--Doctor's orders.  I try to and believe they know more than I do, so theses things have to be done.  I am pretty high maintenance.  Am I worth it?  I sure hope so.

Betty Boop

SUNNY AND PERFECT

Chores done.  Check humming bird feeder, check flower pots, feed bird friends crumbs from English muffin, feed the cat and fix my own breakfast.  Lot to do.  My breakfast was good.  I made oatmeal and put banana & peanut butter in it. Now that is a treat.  Not for every morning--just something different.  Oatmeal is not the most popular breakfast food, but it is for me.  So many things you can put in it.  Applesauce, (homemade).  Raisins, nuts, banana, blueberries, strawberries and any other berry you have, peaches, and the  list goes on.  I can't remember liking it as a kid.  But I was a very picky eater in those days.  I like almost anything now.  Good way to be.  But then I am an aggregable person (I think.) 
SO BE IT!!!!

Betty Boop

GOOD THOUGHTS

One of the things I love about going to Church is the music.   When you read the caption at the bottom of hymns you get a small peek into who wrote it and when.  Some we sing go way back.  A real connection  to why I love them.  I was in my little "garden" this morning and thought of this old hymn-ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL.   I looked it up in the Methodist Hymnal I keep here.  Truman always kept one that he bought from the Church. I lost it in my move and Barbra the church secretary got for me a replacement. I really appreciate that.  I look up one sometime that keeps ringing in my ear. This one was written in I848  words by Cecil Frances Alexander.  Old English melody.  Not that you need that info.  The words come from:  Gen. 1:13.   If you get a chance to read it, do.  It is beautiful  and meant something to me this morning. 

BettyBoop

WONDERFUL EASTER SUNDAY

What a beautiful Sunday.!!!  Church was heart warming with so many family visitors there.  It was a great warm feeling to see so  many past members there and to help fill our pews again.  I felt Truman's presence beside me.       We went to Paul and Sophie's  house for a great dinner.   Always feel so welcomed there.  They do a great job with everything.  Tetrazzini has replaced the old tried and good ham. but a nice change. and Chantilly cake replaces strawberry short cake----and the beat goes on.  I am all for change and yet I still hang on to tradition. I had my day in the sun.  Now it is a chance for some one else.  I do too much remembering, yes,   I do too much of that.  It was a most wonderful meal.  We told old memories of our favorite remembered Easter stories .  Most remembered Easter baskets., and egg hunts. and new  clothes  I had one nobody had heard.   Imagine that. Too long to write.  I will tell it to you sometime.  I think it is important to remember and especially good memories. 

Betty Boop

EASTER MORNING

Oh what a beautiful Easter Morning!! The sun looks warm and it will be great for dressing up and going to Church.  Good for family meals and egg hunts too.  I am sure you all have memories of Easters past.  I know I do.  I hope you have a beautiful and meaningful  day.

Betty Boop

VERY WINDY

I worried for my new plants.  The wind was so fierce and I decided to cover them with a sheet yesterday afternoon.  I moved them close to the wall. This morning the wind has stopped blowing so hard and I uncovered my pots.   They look great and seemed to sigh with relieve to be out and looking at the sun.  This weather lately has kept us on our toes. Easter Sunday will be a turning point I predict.  I am about as good as the weather people.

Jan will come today.  We will find things to do.  Don't know yet what all,  but something  important I know. It still bothers me to be dependent on  everyone.  Life is a circle and it goes around.  My turn to be in the middle.   

Betty Boop

SUN--EVER SHINNING

Can't believe the sun after last night and all the storms.  Great is His faithfulness !!  Some are sad for all the damage but they too can be sure that God is faithful.

I surveyed my balcony garden this morning,  Amy was so good to plant it yesterday before the storm hit.   I was afraid it would be wiped out.  But no.  It looks better than when she planted it.   It all looks so pretty this time.   Some new twist keeps it interesting.  Thank you Amy. 

I had breakfast in Cyber.  Jasmine is a good cook and all with a friendly greeting early in the morning.  Enjoyed it so much.  Now I will go to the Bubble (another favorite place to enjoy) and read Bible and thank God for this beautiful day. I am being pushed to write 2 poems for Library board and The Villager.   Maybe I will work on that. Maybe another chapter about the Canada Geese and their courting habits?  Maybe I should keep that to myself.?

Betty Boop

CAT CUP

I have a collection of coffee cups.   My favorite over the years is one my daughter Linda gave me.  It is a sassy black and white cat  wearing a grin like he just ate the mouse.  That is what I think when I look at him.   The cup is a favorite because not only makes me smile at the  fat  black cat but it makes me think of  Linda and her love of cats.  I like them too.   Especially this sweet fat cat that I have now.   Miss Bitsy is my faithful, and constant companion.  Can't do without her.  It would be very quiet without her.  Although she makes very little sound, she is everywhere and checking on me constantly.  Now that is real devotion. I seem to be on the coffee  train of thought lately.  No reason, because I am not a coffee freak.  Just something to write about.   

Betty Boop

CUP-O-JOE

The coffee deal is like every saying.  It is not an old one but some say from WW1 --some say WW11.  "Joe" is coffee. but maybe named for the Sec of Navy at the time.  He cut out the free coffee to sailors.  Shame on him.  So they called coffee for him, but not in  a nice way,    cup-o-joe.  His first name was Joseph.  Read it for yourself.  There are other options you can believe.  Just like other things.  Aren't we lucky to form our own beliefs? Some, like me, make up some things to believe.  Story telling is one thing I like to do.   Like the Canada Geese story.  Can't compare me to real writers., but I do it anyway.  Storytellers who are writers have always interested me.

So my Balcony pots are ready to plant and Amy is coming to take me to the nursery for plants to fill them.  Be careful not to get too much to care for.

Betty Boop  

CUP-O-JOE"

Where did "cup-o-joe" come from?  Sophie?  where are you and your handy answers?  Any way it is good in the morning. to me.  I guess you have to work on the taste. I have been on and off with drinking it  I used to drink hot tea.  Still like tea but coffee in the morning is what I do now. Cream but no sweet anything.  No flavored either.  2 cups please. 

We are taking our Choir "on the road", as Shirley calls it. Just up the hill to Campbell Cove.  Next week to Siena and then to Marion Hall.  I do love singing to the residents there.  Music is so universal.  They respond in ways we really don't know.   Some are very vocal about it.  It is very satisfying. And you know you have done something worth something to somebody.  I also think music of any kind is therapeutic.  I am glad I can do what I can to help. 

Betty Boop  (P. S. The geese lovers, that I spy on are still together.)

MOMDAY,

Weather report.  Cool and sunny. Winter can't let go.  Bitsy and I feed birds on the Balcony.  I like, it but she really likes it.  There is this one blackbird that shows up each morning. I don't always get the crumbs out at daybreak.  But he is there checking.  Then the little sparrow checks it  out.  They seem to depend on the bread before I realized it.  So I feed them. The blackbird, being so much bigger, gets the most. Betsy really crouches as low as her little fat body will let her and stays very, very still.

We had a treat for lunch after church yesterday. Sophie and Paul invited us for a great lunch at their house. Paul made his famous red beans and rice.  My it was so good.  Sophie made something she is known for also. French bread split and spread with this wonderful olive  mixture and toasted to perfection.. I could make a meal of it if I dared. She has been making it for us at the Beach and many occasions.   Amy brought a salad of fresh greens and grape tomatoes.  So perfect.   I really tried to turn down the brownie and ice cream.   Amy fixed me a small bite--just right and a little bite will do you.  Mary Grace. Ryan and Ed were there too.   Got to pet Paul's cat.  I say Paul, because he does love her and she loves him.  Ah!! family, I love them so much and am proud of each one.

Betty Boop

SUNDAY

What a storm that rushed through Mississippi last night. We were spared damage but not some were so lucky.  Cool this morning. Gave my little Balcony birds crumbs this morning.   Bitsy is beside herself.  Good thing there is a glass door between them. Yesterday (Saturday) Jan came and got me back on track.  She can work wonders talking to people and finding out info for me  I told her I needed to get out of this place, as wonderful as it is, I needed a change of scenery .  Off  we go to Freshway Produce.  It gets better every time we go.  The strawberries are in the peak of their best.  I bought 1 ear of corn, two yellow squash, two tomatoes, 5 pods of okra, and guess what--boiled peanuts.  And cucumbers too.  Made me happy at the small price of $10 .  Strawberries are at their best for a short time so I am enjoying them. I remember taking Truman some a few times  in Seina and along with a cookie, he enjoyed them.  Little memories like that, keep me coming.  Thank goodness for good memories.  We then went to Traceway Grill for lunch.  A good day!!!

Betty Boop.

DUCK DRAMA

Ready for a little silliness?  I spent a while on the Bubble while my apartment was being cleaned.  Observing the Canada geese.  I told you a made up story about the couple that seemed to be "courting".  Well today as the flock was enjoying the fresh green grass on the Meadow, they, over a way to themselves. HUNGRY ONLY FOR LOVE.  Same two, I just know I saw before.  They were enjoying being together as young lovers are prone to do.  Soon they were startled by one jealous goose who swooped in and picked a fight with the lover..  They fought on the bank and then in the Lake they flew still  fighting.  Finally the winner flew back to his love's side and left the looser floating-dizzy and defeated.  Away he flew to safer ground. Sorry for trying. The two lovers went for a swim and the last I saw of them as they flew into the sun set--or sunrise? , they were looking  for a nest in the trees (I think.)  Ah!! Young love, it can be sweet and fierce at the same time.  Remember?

Betty Boop  

YEP!! ANOTHER ONE.

Another beautiful day on it's way.  I may get the energy to dig in the pots on the Balcony.  I think it is time. I do love something blooming. I try not to get more than I can take  of.  This morning I put toast crumbs on the Balcony.  A big blackbird came to look. Bitsy made herself as small as she could on the other side of the screen.  I think she still scared him and he did not stay long.  Spring is here.  The fight for food is on it's way. 

I went to the cedar chest to look at what I had for summer that would fit me.   Some are very old and out of style , while others just don't fit any more.  You know what that means? Dillard's here I come when someone can take me.  Something to look forward to.

Betty (must keep up) Boop

ENJOY YOURSELF !!!

We opened our Spring Choir Concert with that song yesterday.  I decided to "enjoy myself" this morning and  let Jasmine in the Cyber cook my eggs over light, that she is a wiz at. It was a good start.  I brought  Bible and devotional book to the Bubble with my second cup of Cyber coffee.  So much better than I make.  It was perfect.  I tracked a man walking. When he stopped and looked over the Lake, I noticed he was watching the Canada geese.   They are feeding here now.  Two came from a swim and joined the others at breakfast.  The meadow is green and I am sure the grass is sweet. 

Our concert was a success.  At least I enjoyed it.  Jan, Amy, and M.G. came and made everyone jealous.  Not many family members can come during the day.  Mary Grace brought me a dozen of the most beautiful white roses I have ever seen.   I felt like a happy bride.  She is so thoughtful.  Love their coming and enjoying their MOM enjoy herself.  It has been one of the most enjoyable things I have done here.  Can't really sing, but I make a joyful noise.  Isn't that all is asked of me?

Betty Boop

SUN'S OUT NOW

Well out for now.  More thunder storms again later.  Right now--all is well.  Jan came early to rescue me from panic over my eye drop drama.  She is the calm that settles my storm.  She knows how to navigate through difficult times.  Thanks to Jan, I am back on track and just trying to be still and wait for the wheels to turn.   I do need to work on "ME."

Amy and I were the only ones for lunch yesterday.  I always love Mr.  CHEN's  They have the best shrimp and veggies I know of.  My it was good.   We enjoyed a great lunch and visit.  Now for this day and what it will bring.

Betty Boop ( I seem so boring.)

STORMY WEATHER

There is a song in there I know,  STORMY WEATHER,  something about me and my girl together?   I don't think that is it exactly, but I seem to remember bits and pieces of song tunes.  Funny how the mind works and what it remembers and what it leads you to remember.  Maybe not even what you started to think about.  Away you go and where it ends-nobody knows.  My it was a storm and they we are going to have some more.  Spring in Mississippi is changeable for sure. 

Yesterday was long. I really don't know what I did.  I tried to stay active because that is the name of the game these days.  I am reading some good books.  I am  glad to have time to do that. Tuesday is our Spring Concert and then we go on "tour".  Sounds big time?  Oh, just to the different parts of St. Catherine.  To those who will enjoy but can't come to the regular performance.  That is the part I like,  Everyone enjoys us coming.   Music is for everyone.    Even me.

Betty Boop

ANOTHER WEEK

They do fly by!!!.  Coffee on the Balcony made a good start.  Not bad at all.  But then..... I looked around for a voice and where it was coming from-- my neighbor next door was feeding birds out over the balcony by  flinging toast from a big spoon out over the lawn.  He said "hello."   I said "Good morning,"  as dignified  as I could.  Me in my 15 year old VICTORIA SECRET robe, and long gown and accented  by flip flops.  I was surprised and embarrassed.  He has never been on his balcony that I have see.  I thought I was always alone out there and nobody but me came out I gathered he did this every morning-- then below another neighbor waved hello, also a man. I waved good morning.   l need to look out before I emerge with my thought that I am the only early bird out here.  Good start to the day?   I don't know if that was exactly a good start,  but it was funny.

Jan has a shower that she is helping with today so no Jan for today.  I will try to fill it with something!! I miss her when she has to miss coming.  So on to the next adventure.  My!! I live an exciting life.

Betty Boop

Too much to do.   I wonder why I can't do it all anymore?  Yesterday, I went to breakfast for fun early.  Then I went to a meeting we have once a month  for  residents to bring us up to activities.  Our new "head honcho" took over for Mary Margret, who retired.  She was good and did a great job.   I guess we were all being nice to her as she finished without any static. We can be nice too. Ate lunch here in my apartment to conserve energy.  Yes it takes a lot to go to the dinning room.  I wanted to go to Sister Kristen's retirement that afternoon.   I just gave out of steam and had to miss it.  Don't know any reason for it--just could not face another-to-do.  I like her so much and she is a dear person, but I have already talked to her and expressed my feelings and good wishes for her.        Today is another day and looks like I will be able to go to a 100th birthday for another dear lady. Polly Wilson is a fine lady and I have always liked her.   I sure hope I feel like going this afternoon.  I need to shampoo and go to Friday (fish day) lunch and then go to see Polly.  Wish me luck.  When I write this down, it doesn't seem so bad or hard.

Betty Boop

SWEET DAY

Had lunch with two daughters.  Wish I could see the other one more often.  Jan took me to check on my dental surgery and no problem,    Just keeping a tab on it, so it wont come back.  Good report.

We then went to Stein Mart to shop for me a new white blouse.  To wear for our choir's Spring Concert.  Of course I bought three.   Not all white of course.   I go shopping so seldom and I make the most of it when I can. We met Amy and had lunch at YIAYIA's.  Greek food was very good.  We may go back another time. I came  home happy and full.  Enjoyed my girls.  Nothing like them, I always say.

Betty Boop

SUNSHINE

OH LET THE SUNSHINE IN.
FACE IT WITH A GRIN,
OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND,
LET THE SUN SHINE IN!!

Ok, I did not pen that one, but it jumped into my mind this morning and would not let go  I remember it as a part of a song from long ago and can't remember the first of it.  Can you?  Maybe VBS?  Oh well maybe it will stay around a while because it sounds happy.  I remember "This little light of mine."  Loved singing it at VBS. Although I think that one was Baptist.   I went to both in my neighborhood.  You know those days in the Church when I was growing up, really made a lot of impressions.  Especially my youth.  Some real Saints taught us.  They had to be.  I remember so many things about those days. My whole social life was during those days with lasting memories. First love and first date and first kiss. My oh my . Served me well through life. A lot of things good seem to be connected to the Church, also light and sun.  So have a happy, sunny day.

Betty Boop